|
Purgatory |
"Purgatory" was the first installment in the 5150 collection. The first time I saw "S" I thought to myself, "WOW!" The teardrop styled symbol above and below his right eye is actually a tattoo he had done not too long ago. "S" was in constant motion, walking from one end of the facility, turning around and continuing on his trek. I rarely saw him sit down. He simply walked from 7 AM until 9 PM. I had no idea he was to be the spark to start this collection of psychological portraits. I caught up with him one day and expressed my interest in drawing him. His response was short. "I don't stay still long enough," and off he went. I again caught up to him and offered to create the portrait based upon my observances of him to which he agreed. It was day two after beginning the work when he passed by where I was sitting in the courtyard with my sketch pad and pencils. He paused to gaze at his portrait, smiled and immediately sat in front of me with only three words to say, "Okay, I'll sit." This rare opportunity allowed me to correct many errors and inconsistancies and left the staff and residents stunned. Unbeknownst to myself, I had made "S" a bit of a celebrity in our little gated and locked facility. People were constantly approaching him to say they had seen his portrait and how amazing it was. The change in "S" was markedly noticable. He became calmer, stopping to talk with people and allowing them limited insights into his personality. "S" had been a resident of the ward for several months prior to my arrival. I don't know if it was his medication that finally began to take effect or the change was brought about by this simple act of validating his existance on paper. One week after completing his portrait, "S" was given the doctor's release to return home. |
