Where I Draw Inspiration
For nearly two decades, I’ve been entranced by the magic of the human gaze, especially the profound depths found in Lover’s Eyes. Drawing inspiration from the romantic tradition of the 18th and 19th centuries, my work is both a tribute to a bygone era and a reflection of contemporary intimacy.
To me, eyes are more than just windows to the soul; they’re narrators of tales filled with passion, vulnerability, and secrets. I diligently study the eyes, not only for their own beauty but also to enrich my larger portraiture work. Mostly smaller works, I make seeks to capture that silent yet powerful language of connection. In our ever-evolving world, words may falter, but the eyes, they always speak true. I never get sick of drawing or painting the human eye.
Lovers Eyes Portfolio
Lovers Eyes Tradition
The tradition of Lover’s Eyes can be traced back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries, originating in England during a time when clandestine romances and passionate secrets were often hidden from the public gaze. These miniature paintings, often no larger than an inch, depicted an isolated eye or eyes of a loved one and were set into pieces of jewelry like brooches, rings, or lockets.
These tokens of affection were discreet, allowing lovers to carry a memento of their beloved without revealing their full identity to the world. It was a deeply personal and intimate gesture, a symbol of undying love and connection. Over time, while the tradition waned, the sentiment behind these pieces remains timeless—a testament to the enduring allure of a loved one’s gaze.
Historical Examples
Collection
Over the years, I’ve have curated a “Lovers Eyes” Pinterest board that serves as my personal sanctuary of inspiration on the subject matter. Drawing from both contemporary and past artisans, this collection is a testament to the timeless allure of the human gaze in art and how lovers eyes are still created and collected today.
