Sexuality

Time to talk about sex and art <*_*>  Yeah!  First of all I have to give a little background to myself.  I'm a devout Christian, which is part of the reason I chose saint02 as my artist name.  And, that may seem hypocritical to many people out there.  Most Christian illustrators just retell old Biblical stories and keep things family oriented.  However, if you have ever read the Bible cover to cover as I have, you will find many situations and stories that aren't family safe.  It's a story, and as I believe Truth, about life, and stories of sex and violence are in the Bible.  I've thought about this a great deal, what I want to illustrate and what I don't.  What I've learned is illustrating is no different than writing.  Writers and illustrators tell stories, and are continually learning to perfect that craft of story telling.  Both strive to convey emotions and with each work the artist/writer is communicating an idea or purpose.  However, like the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words.  And, for this reason illustrations what ever the content are very vocal and powerful in communicating.  I think this is probably the reason people are perhaps more strict with what is seen rather than what is read, though both are simply means of communication.

Back some years ago, I would always think about justifying everything, and unfortunately I still do a bit.  I thought so much about what type of artist I want to be and what I wanted to say through my art.  In the end I came up with the notion that for me, it wasn't going to be about justifying anything.  But, simply, what story needs to be told?  Who is it being told to?  And, what is the best way of communicating that idea?  I know that to convey certain stories as an illustrator I will be illustrating violence, sexuality, and the boat load of all the other human conditions and emotions.  However, as an artist trying to convey particular emotions I can't help but being some what caught up with that emotion.  It's grieving for me to try and work on a violent scene or sadness.  I feel personally that some things should not be watered down or censored and at the same time some things need to be handled with care and respect to the audience. 

That is my approach to sexuality in art.  Sex is not wrong by no means at all, but it has it's own place in life.  I don't think it should be paraded in public so openly for even children to see, but I think people shouldn't be afraid of sexuality and simply enjoy it in the place God has placed it.  Even God has provided the Song of Solomon which is entirely about sexuality, but in accordance to custom children weren't allowed to read it until they were deemed old enough for the birds and the bees speech.

This is just my perspective on the matter.  I hope it gives some inspiring ideas to others out there and especially you artists and writers out there.  We should all spend some time thinking about what we do and what for.  Everyone should keep in mind some sort of social responsibility to everything they do - environmentally, socially, morally... it's just wise to do.

Gil Elvgren Suzanne Remix

Here is my illustration based off of a Gil Elvgren Pin Up - Suzanne.  Even though it's based off another original painting, this is done in my own style.  I simply did this because Gil Elvgren is one of my most favorite artists, famous for being one of the greatest pin up artists during his time.  I am a big fan of his work, and had a great time learning from his work and creating this digital illustration.

This is my line art I built the illustration off of.  I always have fun working with line art:)

This is Gil Elvgren's original painting of Suzanne.  I think I did a good job in my own way, but the original will always be amazing.

One thing I've learned from my time at the Academy (AAU) and in my own pursuits in my own self study to increase my skills as an artist is one can always learn from your peers, past and present.  I remember when I was a wee little one I used to try and draw pictures from Akira Toriyama and his Dragon Ball Z series.  Learning from others is a great way to improve your own style and try other approaches to tackling illustrating.

Acrylic in the Making - War - DNC art Piece on Sante Fe

I made these back a few years back.  This and some others were displayed at a gallery showing on Sante Fe in Denver (www.artdistrictonsantafe.com/), however this was back during the DNC, Democratic National Convention when Obama was runnning for Presidency back in 2008.  Digging up this photo reminded me of the hard work trying to get my work in gallery shows back then. 

I wanted to be a comic and game artist, but I was also inspired by artists such as Blaine Fontana.  I haven't had much time to do a natural media painting lately, but it would be fun.  I have learned so much since then.

Blast from the Past

Years ago I did some painting, no brushes, no masking, nothing but the can.  I think this stands at about 10 - 12 feet tall. 

I just love Jet Grind Radio.  This picture was taken about 4 years back I think?  I wonder what it looks like now?

500 Hits!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks to everyone who has checked out my art so far.  I'm still learning and have a long ways to go.  I hope that one day I will at least inspire others to reach out and grow in their own endevours and live their dreams.  Some dreams are hard to live, like becoming a professional artist and all the other things I aspire to be and do.  But, don't be afraid.  Life is worth living, and especially living the life you dream to live.  Thanks again to all my fans for supporting me.  Thanks for 500 hits!!!!!!  I'm looking forward to 1000!