The Psychological
pastel drawings 1979-1980
Fashion Show 1979, pastel on paper, 63.5 x 89 cm
Prancing Sailor 1980, pastel on paper, 63.5 x 89 cm
The Animated Feeler-Gauge 1979, pastel on paper, 63.5 x 89 cm
Conspiracy 1980, pastel on paper, 63.5 x 89 cm
The subject matter of my work is people: their behaviour, mannerisms and relationships; the many layers of meaning and understanding that exist between people. Often, drawings have taken the form of conspiratorial groups which can contain aggression, constraint and vulnerability. Individuals fondle, throttle, encourage and restrain each other.
Grimace 1980, pastel on paper, 63.5 x 89 cm
Bedraggled III 1980, pastel on paper, 63.5 x 89 cm
The nosey-parkers 1980, pastel on paper, 63.5 x 89 cm
Grin and bear it 1980, pastel on paper, 63.5 x 89 cm
The use of exaggeration to emphasise a feeling or an action, as in comics and cartoons, is evident, as is the use of gesture to imply movement. There is a strong sense of narrative in these works, underpinned by humour which can be used to diffuse sometimes painful situations. Some of these pastel drawings are like battlegrounds dealing with the psychological and the overly dramatic.
Emergency 1980, pastel on paper, 75 x 104 cm
Play-mates 1980, pastel on paper, 63.5 x 89 cm
Clutch bag 1980, pastel on paper, 63.5 x 89 cm
Red stockings knees knocking 1980, pastel on paper, 63.5 x 89 cm
Subterfuge 1980, pastel on paper, 63.5 x 89 cm