Halfway There
This work is100% experimental for me. I did one subtractive artwork with charcoal last year, but I didn't think it was that great. I had no idea how these were going to turn out and I was nervous especially since they were for an assignment grade. My inspiration was mainly the information that I learned in my Art History: Renaissance to Modern class about chiaroscuro art. I was so inspired when looking at Caravaggio's work. The way he is able to manipulate paint on a canvas to make it look so realistic mixed with his ability to what looks like manipulating the direction, contrast, and intensity of light with such ease is fascinating to me. I want to strive to be that skilled with charcoal. For the subject of my work itself, what was going through my head at the time was "how can I show as much emotion as possible through black and white" so that's what I tried to do! I did use some references for the poses, so next time, I want to try to use no references to see what I come up with.
Artist’s Statement
Meet the Artist
MaJae’ Davis
MaJae’ Davis attends the University of the Incarnate Word and is majoring in Fine Arts with a concentration in drawing. MaJae’ is projected to graduate in 2027 and is currently a sophomore.
1. What was your inspiration for this piece?
I have been trying to find my style for a while now. In one of my art history classes, we were discussing the intricacies of chiaroscuro artwork, and I became very interested in it. I had done some subtractive work in the past with charcoal for my Drawing 1 & 2 class, but I honestly forgot about it until that moment. Then, as I was researching chiaroscuro artwork in photography, I came across a few photo references that I liked. (Credits to those whose photo references I used as well!) So, I wanted to try to use those references and translate it to charcoal, but adding my own style and twist to it.
2. What is your creative process? (How do you go about creating?)
My process is really about figuring things out as I go. Drawing portraits is not my strong suit, so these drawings were difficult. I honestly just started to black out the entire page and erase the parts that I wanted in light. I stopped using the references I had halfway through and just started focusing on what looked right to me on my page verses what was in my reference. I find using references is most helpful to me in the very beginning to map out a pose or body structure than to use throughout the whole drawing process.
3. What are some influences on your artistic process?
As I mentioned earlier, in one of my art history classes, we were studying chiaroscuro. One of the artists who is definitely an inspiration for me would be Caravaggio. I would love to make a piece that is as realistic as his in the future.
4. Is there anything more you’d like our readers/viewers to know about you or your work?
When I finished the artwork, I showed my family. [For this piece], my mom said, “he looks like he’s discovering himself. Like he’s halfway to discovering himself since you covered half of his face.” As a result, I called the piece “Halfway There.” So, credits to my family for helping name these! They are definitely my biggest supporters! I know I still have a lot to learn, but I am so glad I finally found a style I feel that I can stick to long term!