Student Series
Erik Clark is a teacher on the south side of Chicago. In teaching under privileged youth. The artist began to interpret the unique stories of his students. It wasn’t enough to just draw them; the artist wanted the viewer to feel emotion behind the face as well. (I you to see and feel my the people I draw) By mixing different material together Erik is able to convey complex story lines through loaded symbolism in the art and subjects eyes. In order to convey an abstract narrative the use of real and fabricated material adds a sense of touch and 3 dimensional appeals.
The addition of hair is crucial in my work along with the other tactile and mixed media techniques. In the African American community hair is key and is your crown. With out hair one lacks the ability to define ones self and personality. I created this series as a way to connect and relate to my students. Soon, I realized that I was creating these portraits to honor and remember youth that may be forgotten due to the ignorance and violence around them. I want them to see the color. This series is not to exploit them but instead to pay reverence to them. They inspire the artists everyday.
“sienna's endless summer”
“Isaiah's Path”
“Hawkin's Wave”
“Nate's Fortress”
“Fairly's Not So Fair Life”
