Body: Flesh and Bone

Essay

Body: Flesh and Bone

Body: Flesh and Bone is an abstract, genderless, figurative drawing composition. Figure drawing requires that one look at shape relationships to construct form. Whether it is toward the goals of form, function or both, most everyone has the capacity to build a body to a certain degree. We are each given a starting point or framework that can be transformed into a version that is healthy or not, based on personal quests and decisions. In my recent drawing Body: Flesh and Bone, graphite is used to create line and form on paper. Paper with graphite lines forming rounded arcs recalls the curved lines forming to muscle fibers. Each drawing starts with a predetermined length and width and then line work begins in vertical and horizontal repetition.

Healthy bodies are designed to move. Movement and physical activity are essential to mind and body awareness that is critical to our existence. Body: Flesh and Bone is an installation that is intended to move into different positions each time it is placed on view, just as the human body is continually moving and changing proportions and dimensions over time. The installation also contains varied interchangeable parts. The woven paper and graphite engrained sections may even split or gradually reconnect as it is placed in unique positions each time it is considered and constructed for viewing.

Genderless, the abstract drawing installation aims to open up ideas about the body beyond sexuality toward functional human figures in action. What are the challenges that we face as individuals with our own bodies? Why are we critical of our own body and how can we learn to embrace it for the functional thinking machine that it is? As in this drawing installation, all bodies have lines and curves with varied degrees of volume. Learning about the body by placing emphasis on health and nutrition awareness is essential to building the body desirable to live in.

Looking at the body within the realm of form and function is one starting place for every individual to express who they are and what they are about. Selfies and mirrors don’t always seem real or accurate, but can be versions of how we might be perceived. Our physical bodies speak volumes about who we are, bringing us to a place where we might ultimately find and become ourselves.