This drawing was born from something I had originally perceived as a failure. I had been competing in art battles for a period of time, which are live speed painting competitions where you have just 20 minutes - start to finish - to complete a painting that the audience then votes on. I had made it to regionals where I ended up falling below my personal standard…publicly. This impacted me more than I care to admit and the next day this image hit me like a train; A Jester dancing for a crowd of unimpressed people. For me this image is representative of that moment where I was beginning to falter in front of a crowd, feeling embarrassed and keenly aware that everyone watching was seeing me perform at a level far from my best. For others I have heard it brings attention to a feeling of loneliness which allows them to feel seen and in turn, less lonely. As always, the image is up for interpretation and regardless of what it sparks in you, acts as a powerful image that starts conversations and stirs emotion.

This drawing was definitely a labor of love, taking over 20 hours to complete it has the smallest and most carefully placed stippling of any of my previous drawings. After stippling the whole drawing to create a strong atmosphere, I went in with a crosshatch method to add more clarity, depth, and form. Lastly I used an ink wash to push my values and create a more cohesive image.