Drawn To Preserve History

My latest portrait featuring an American Civil War reenactor features a handsome French Zouaves Volunteer Soldier of the 11th New York Infantry 1861-65. I was drawn to the colorful uniforms of the New York "Fire Zouaves" of North African origin that could first be found fighting under General Elmer E. Ellsworth's command during the American Civil War. Later regiments of Zouaves fought in 1914 and 1939 for the First and Second World Wars respectively.

As a traditional artist, my work preserves the distinctly tactile history of handcraft as digital media and virtual technology rapidly replaces "antiquated" methods of production. Yet the psychological, physiological, and spiritual health benefits of an artistic discipline through physical dexterity, focused concentration, and attentive observation baffle scientific explanation. Alzheimer's patients who tragically loose mental faculties can mysteriously recall every step of their youthful ballet performance, painting practice, piano notes, or song lyrics. Our tactile history both experienced and recalled seems to have a profound effect on the neurological health and well-being of our lives.

Today we add and delete words, people, mistakes, and connections with the click of a button. People are suffering the inability to form committed relationships, experience meaningful observations, concentrate on a single task, and understand consequences thanks to the prevalence of endless digital/virtual media. Adults of my generation who remember life before computers and cell phones, recall a time when life was simpler, slower, ...better. We had more time to reflect and process information, less film in our cameras, but more motivation to work within the limits of our experience. Today I have more photos on my phone than I know what to do with - a luxury created by technology with a tragic flaw; more convenience is not better but problematic.

Here in my studio I have a laptop that serves me well and a cellphone that mostly distracts me from projects that need more of my time and attention. While I love the benefits of technology, I wrestle with the memory of simpler times when less was more. So I continue to draw, paint, sculpt moments of simplicity by hand. Art-making slows me down in a flurry of virtual distractions. My practice has blessed me with a healthy body, mind, and spirit connection because it is a historical tradition that connects me to the past, informs my present, and gives hope to the future. I love the feel of pastel on my fingers, the smell of wet paint, the sound of paper, and the taste of clay. These tactile experiences are my heart and soul! I hope you enjoy them and will take a little time to preserve the simpler, slower, better history of your life today.

Daniel