Insider Art by Bruce Gray
A precise definition of Outsider Art has yet to find universal acceptance. In essence it is art produced in response to some inner creative urge by those isolated from, or on the fringes of, society, ignorant of the art world and its passing fads, unversed in conventional techniques, oblivious as to how others respond to their creativity, and wholly divorced from any concern with financial gain.
Le Enchanteur, drawn in 2005 is, by definition, a piece of Outsider Art. She is the work of the untrained and does not pretend to be a sophisticated drawing.
To write is my first language. To draw and make tactile forms of art is my second language.
During the period of my husband’s decline I spent evenings by his side drawing. Le Enchanteur was know to the Soul Food Cafe community as the energetic spirit who led kindred spirits into the misty world of Lemuria. This very early portrait of her, along with hundreds of subsequent drawings were each completed within a three hour time span. These drawings are, undoubtedly, a form of naive self portraiture.
Finding my place as an Outsider Artist is like finding the holy grail.