Bestial Self – A Covid Drawing…
For this drawing, I took my time to cultivate my thoughts, feelings, and afflictions into one representation – an avatar of both the inner and outer state of being in the Covid pandemic – a mess in other words.
It’s a drawing that follows a more darkly humorous self-expression during a time of shared adversity. Some may smile at this image, others may sneer, and others may enjoy the technical details and others may cast their minds back to a time when we were locked in. It is time for me to share and explain a bit more.
This pencil drawing – “Bestial Self” is an exaggerated bestial version of me.
I took the liberty to create a hyperbolic version of myself in this drawing during the COVID lockdowns. A man-come-feral, that has lost is day to day routine and how to talk to the general public. Habits that have emerged from a day-to-day routine of minimal walks, and avoiding people in enclosed spaces.
When living in Wimbledon, I found myself creating various pieces of artwork. Mostly from my time commuting to and from work.
Dark Fantastical Self-Representation | An outlet for frustration
I invite you to think and see. To think what you will think and feel what you feel. That is art.
For me, this artwork was an enjoyable vent that allowed me to get carried away with my imagination. I indulged myself in the fine details creating the artwork at my own pace, peace meal evening by evening.
Dark, somewhat sad, agonising… these could all be words to describe this drawing. That is for you to decide why, I as creator did what I did.
‘Bestial Self’: A Covid Drawing – Explanation
Various parts of this creature are representational. From emotional feelings to physical afflictions, down to ‘some’ cosmetic appearances too, have all come from some aspect of what was going on at the time. Details are hidden in plain sight for the keen eye.
I took the time to put as much ‘self’ into this drawing as I could. Being a fan of the weird and the macabre, this drawing was the perfect outlet for me.
I also created another covid drawing here, for those that wish to look, but I ask you to stay on this page for a little while longer.
This may be regarded as a spoiler to some, but here is an explanation of some of the details and artifacts inside the artwork.
The Padlocks About The Neck And Upper Back
This was a major issue for me.
Halfway through the pandemic, I started to develop painful and chronic upper back and neck problems to the point where I struggled to sleep and work. I am still suffering from this as I write this post, albeit, much better now.
My neck tightened into such a state of spasm I thought this was ‘my new normal’ – and this ache when beyond a small niggle in the shoulder.
- I struggled to drive.
- I couldn’t turn my head from left to right.
- I struggled to work.
- It just ached, constantly.
- It messed with the nerves in the back of my head too
With my neck problems, I also suffered from a regular headache where a shooting shock sensation would surge from the base of my skull behind the ear to the top of my head – this was painful and sporadic.
Eventually, the padlocks unlocked.
After 9 months of frequent physio, back exercise programs, ultrasounds, and being pulled and pulverised back into an upright position. It is ‘better’ but not gone.
Watch your posture and do your exercises. Let this image be a reminder if nothing else.
The Hair
During Lockdown, I had a lot of hair. I had no way of getting a haircut. At least initially… eventually, I had to concede and order some hair clippers to trim my hair and beard.
Long Filthy Nails
What must my partner have thought? My nails, which are already prone to becoming long and sharp at the best of times, grew long, grey, and green.
Much better suited to scratching at the walls…
Okay, perhaps they were not quite as long and filthy as those illustrated. Decent society would have seen me at least keep them at a gentlemanly length when I was allowed to wander with mortal citizens after dark.
Manacle Around Ankle
Truth be told, I cannot recall the exact reason as to why I drew a manacle. Perhaps represented my subconscious at the time…
Medium Used :
- Mechanical Pencil
- Faber Castell Pencils on A4 Bristol board
‘Bestial Self’: A Covid Drawing Of Self-Reflection
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. You may also be interested in reading more on this post which is based around the theme of Covid artwork.
Commissioning or buying prints
If you are interested in buying a print of this artwork get in touch and let’s get something arranged. Many of my prints are created by demand and sent to an ‘Artsure’ standard printer once payment has been invoiced and paid.
Prices for A4 prints can vary, for approximately £75.00. Some images afford room to go up to a3 in size. The image above for example may be able to go to A3 to make a more sizeable print for your wall at £95. An additional certificate for this image can also be created for additional fees.
Get in touch if you would like to buy a print of “Bestial Self”
“As a private collector, you can buy prints of my artwork to display for ‘personal purposes’. For example, you may wish to use the artwork for a display to go on your walls, in a frame, or anything else in between. These prints are ‘authenticity’ certified Giclee prints and printed on demand once payment is made.
The print turnaround can take up to a month to create after the payment.”
Commission pricing varies dramatically depending on the project.
Here are some other pieces:-
OR you may wish to visit my portfolio art website?
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