Why the human figure, specifically? What does it offer that landscape or abstraction doesn’t?

CONJURING THE ANCESTRAL SPIRIT OF FREEDOM AND RESISTANCE   Oil on canvas “40x34”
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J: Why the human figure? Bottom line is, because we are human. Going back to my early impressions of the old the drawings in the Sears & Roebuck catalogue, I was impressed with the idea that someone could make a human figure out of lines, shapes, etc. I’ve always had an interest and curiosity about the figure. 

As I got older and began to study, art, I learned that throughout history, an artist’s primary education has been the study of the human figure. It’s because it is the most difficult, complex, and challenging form in nature. An understanding of the human figure allows us to interpret every other subject. And for me, while landscapes and still life are worthy subjects in and of themselves, I’m drawn to an expression of my interests and compassion for other human beings. Landscapes are beautiful. Still lives are beautiful. But I’m more concerned with sharing my connection, my spiritual, emotional, psychological connection with other human beings.

​That’s why the figure for me.

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