I suppose this one can be read any number of ways: the figure as the art to be consumed; the spread of comestibles ready for eating; the entire piece as something to be absorbed and provide fulfillment.
When I began this piece, I had a male model for my subject, but somewhere along the way, I began to feel that it wasn't quite right. My love of the female form asserted itself and, though the figure was finished, I ended up redrawing and repainting until it was right. I had set this one aside for so long; it sat, barely started, for months. I couldn't figure out what was blocking me.
It was the subject! Now that she was in place, I was able to finish her in a matter of hours. Now I know. The softness, curves, shadows and light of the feminine body inspire me and draw me to capture them on the canvas. Perhaps, someday, I'll try the male figure again.
For now, I was excited to bring into focus a muse poised and pensive, as delectable and beautiful as the spread around her. Her mask begs the question: is she the pursued or the pursuer? It may be you, dear viewer, who is, in the end, consumed.
24x36" Acrylic on stretched canvas. 2026
**This piece is currently on exhibit at Gallery Erato, Seattle from 8.6.26-9.5.26. For inquiries, please contact the gallery directly at: director@seaf.art.
