Growing up I was profoundly influenced by the art in my parents and grandparents homes; Victor Vasarely, Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’keeffe and Frank Stella. I paid attention. I practiced.
I drew all the time. At restaurants I used crayons on paper tablecloths. Knowing it would be discarded gave me courage for creative freedom. As a telemarketer on phone calls I would draw the faces I imagined were on the other end of the phone.
I began drawing more intentionally. I stopped thinking about the outcome and just drew. I couldn’t stop drawing faces.
I draw what I feel, what I see or don’t see. I draw to escape. I draw fantasy, but also a reality that reflects emotions, thoughts, individuality as well as the monotony of life. I draw faces that symbolize unity and community. I draw to tell stories and affect change.
In each face I draw I examine the atmosphere of our society and how prescribed female and male norms and ideals have been constructed.
I draw to explore our differences, and the fragility of identity.
By drawing people without hair, without faces, I question the standards that we are controlled by those that set hierarchies over gender, race and socioeconomic status.
To purchase any of the artwork below, email us at shoeboxartsla@gmail.com
