DRAWING
This drawing, made on September 16, 1983, is of a man I knew through work
named Paddy. Paddy sold newspapers on street corners in the evenings in
Toronto. It was, in fact, at the newspaper loading dock that this drawing
was produced. It was completed in about fifteen seconds, and is done on
the back of a blue advertising flyer. It was never meant as anything more
than a study, in the spirit of a Nicolaides gesture drawing, and as such,
its purpose was simply to record my feelings of empathy for the subject;
and I couldn't be more pleased with the results, staple holes and all.
Paddy was a large man in his mid-fifties. He was poor. He was, like most of
the corner vendors, living on the edge, and just trying to make it through
another day. He always wore the same old trench coat, smoked incessantly,
and swore a lot. Like many fringe people, he could see humour where most
couldn't, and he had a blunt self-awareness and honest dignity that most
people in the higher stations of life just fool themselves into believing
they have.
Paddy was leaning up against the dock waiting for his papers and talking to
a friend when I made this drawing. I was then, and remain, taken aback
by how much of life is captured in the lines and squiggles. My sensitive
hand, and focused mind have long since lost their keenness, but they would
return again with use, and the success of this drawing tempts me to try.
I don't think a work like this can be surpassed in its honesty and simplicity.
I find it a true joy. Like Paddy himself, the drawing is humble, but
virtuous none-the-less.
This work is in my collection.
Your comments and questions are welcomed. E-mail me.