Young artist Dieu Sam Bui-Diefenbach led an evening of community figure drawing. with panache and brilliance – and despite being in clutches! Dieu Sam provided short mini lessons about the components of the human body, about technique, and delivered some inspiring demonstrations thanks to their skill and talent.
Why “community drawing”? Because we drew together, and posed for each other in various attire. Models of all types offered themselves, and the variety of bodies, beyond the standards of “classic” beauty, reveal to us the richness of diversity. It’s true of cultures too, and it’s New York City.
We enjoyed, and were inspired by Gallery Particulier’s summer show, Facing In, Facing Forward: Our Common Humanity. The artwork addresses the face, our humanity, our environment. A perfect background to draw the human figure.
Participants drew in an atmosphere of utter focus and commitment. They were of all walks of life, of all ages (no children), of every level of proficiency, from people who had never drawn the live figure before to, well, pros! Yes the mood was non competitive and intimate. We enjoyed a break to get to know each other, and socialize.
The evening was well attended, mobbed really – and we managed to fit everyone even if it was tight. It was our community at its best: open, adventurous, talented, generous, friendly.
Gratefulness.
Thank you to Dieu Sam, to the people who came, to the people who modeled, to art for expanding our minds.
Credits to Abigail Zhou for the following photos:
