Singular Being
The inspiration for this body of work stems from preliminary nude sketches made during Erie Open Figure Sessions, a weekly drawing group that I have facilitated out of my studio for the past few years. Depicting the figures with acrylic, watercolor and graphite pencil in the final compositions allows me to express the story of the figure. The qualities of these mediums (like the nude figure itself) convey simplicity and purity.
Nudity expresses vulnerability as well as ownership of one’s own being. For millennia, male artists have used female bodies as subject and muse. As a male artist, I acknowledge that my choice of female models will raise questions. In response, my focus on the female form is not about exciting men and objectifying women; it is grounded in a deeper personal challenge. I find that drawing the female form is more difficult than drawing the male form. This could be a result of knowing my own form, and understanding it better. Through drawing a physical form that I do not inhabit; I study its contrast in structure and its opposite energy. With that being said I also do not deny that there is a certain amount of sexuality, and sensuality in a few pieces, that is innate to being human. This is unavoidable however it is not the primary focus; the narrative of the entire piece is.
I consider the women in my art as collaborating artists, their input in the modeling process is vital. More often than not, it is their pose that triggers an idea for a painting. A personal and genuine interaction happens when the model creates the pose that inspires the artist. This is a shared creative process. The model brings strength and frailty; energy and stillness; sadness and joy; so many contradictions wrapped into a single form that express the many facets of femininity and humanity. It is the job of the artist to capture those facets in the work.
My figures dwell in bright, swirling masses of clouds and landscapes. A glow of warmth and comfort often surround the figures. There is a soft recollection of religious iconography in this work, creating saints of the feminine forms. Many times, my paintings depict a solitary figure, the story of a singular being reflecting in nature and connecting with the universe and their truest self. In my own life, I seek connection with nature to find solace and to calm my mind; to reflect in my own solitude.
Bodies tell stories. We identify with others, existing in vessels that are simultaneously endlessly diverse yet familiar. We recognize ourselves in the other.
-Risto
