Artwork and story from Robert Davis
A 75 year old Native New Yorker on the same block my whole life. I have seen the neighborhood go from a tough one to The place to live. Survived all the changes.
My parents raised us 6 kids and went to a private school a block away. Great sacrifices for us. I was artistic as a child. But that was considered in the 50’s suspect!
I was encouraged by my Mom but not otherwise. An artist. Yikes. Fuggedaboutit!
Eventually, I was hired at The Metropolitan Museum of Art as a Security Guard and then became the youngest Executive there. I created the first ticketing system for The Treasures if Tutankhamun.
What place art takes in my life? I taught myself by copying Egyptian Art that I discovered by roller skating to The Met. I started copying DaVinci and Durer. Art has been with me ever since. I now do Photography and years ago Sculpture.I had the first Fine Arts card for Hallmark.
My story must touch on my 1 Art course in Portraiture. I didn’t get support in my youth (Mom, only) and thought I did not have anything to offer. My first day I started a tiny drawing of my first Life model. The teacher looked and said nothing. 5 classes I took over the weeks. Not a word to me but encouraging all the others. I was not to draw for 40 years. Then I showed a Teacher I met my saved drawings. He offered me a scholarship! I was shocked. I would love to start anew.
What do I want to learn in art? Portraits have always thrilled me. A way to learn and communicate that is disappearing into a culture that seems to look to a screen to see anything in life.
I’m impressed with the Drawing Academy materials I have viewed. Amazed at this wonderful offer.
Why do I want to win the Drawing Academy course? I’m on SSI. Very rough living in NYC. No pension. Why people should vote for me? Possibly because I believe in helping people and maybe my drawings will touch someone.
