THINGS IMPORTANT TO A BOY SERIES
Seemingly insignificant items, such as a screw or bolt, are important objects found and held in a tiny hand or a tiny pocket, not to be left behind or forgotten at any moment. As significant as a teddy bear, screws and bolts are given a name .“Dukes”, and take their place in the hierarchy of a child’s world.
These items are illustrated in the grid of graphite drawings titled “Things important to a boy”.
THINGS IMPORTANT TO A BOY: LEGOS
Graphite on paper
8x10"
THINGS IMPORTANT TO A BOY: "WOOLY"
Graphite on paper
8x10"
THINGS IMPORTANT TO A BOY: REMOTE
Graphite on paper
8x10"
Mark Helman
Mixed Media
These works were created to portray the feeling of uncertainty, isolation and loneliness. Movement is achieved without the use of digital imagery, but instead with motors and lights, while multiple layers of hand-cast resin, paper and paint, are used to capture ethereal environments.
The blowing desert wind in the piece West Texas Windstorm, the misty ocean fog seen in Traverse, and the staircase dropping to a subterranean space in Sliver imply heading into darkness with no navigation. The eye in Neighbor and Blink is representative of the overreaching hand, always watching.
This sense of helplessness is a universal feeling unrestricted by age, gender, or race. It is a human condition that is experienced by all. The small flickers or of light represent the hope that we still hold onto despite the darkness.
