DRAWINGS

Lawrence Jenkins lived 75 years, 

March 12, 1948 - May 23, 2023. He was deeply loved by his family and friends. 

He was married with 2 daughters and 2 sons.

This charcoal drawing by artist Kaonis Thomas captures the common icons of Soldier life, resonating with the emotional journeys of those who have served. From meticulously shining black boots of yesterday to finding comfort in teddy bears from home, each detail reflects the resilience cultivated during deployments. Dog tags placed at the bottom of boot laces symbolize both identity and the unwavering commitment to duty. These memories encapsulate the shared experiences of Soldiers, honoring their dedication and sacrifices.  Do you remember those glory days? 

Envision the odyssey of TURBULENCE, a colossal vessel navigating the currents of time, propelled by the pulsating force of water brimming with life's vibrant symphony.  

Dive into expansive ecosystems, unveiling life forms unseen in any epoch—a deep sea pulsating with a melodic, expressive composition that seamlessly harmonizes with the dawn of new existence.  Amidst this surreal tapestry, I encounter an ineffable connection, a comfort unfathomable to my past thoughts and experiences.  

In this boundless expanse, my ship, though minuscule, discovers a profound sense of belonging, echoing the cadence of a journey beyond imagination.

In Greek mythology, Argus Panoptes, a giant protector with 100 eyes, symbolized the concept of "all-seeing."  His eyes were either distributed across his body or positioned on his head, embodying an unwavering vigilance and formidable strength.

ARGUS: AMERICAN, a captivating charcoal drawing by Kaonis Thomas, pays homage to two influential African American newspapers (the St. Louis Argus and the St. Louis American) of Saint Louis, MO.

The St. Louis Argus holds the distinction of being the oldest black newspaper and black-owned business in Missouri.  Established in 1912 by the Mitchell family, it began as a newsletter for an insurance company named Western Union Relief Association.  Throughout many years of turmoil and poverty, the Argus persevered and consistently championed civil rights. One primary goal of the St. Louis Argus was to organize the Black community for political action.  The newspaper strived to enhance the quality of life for the black community in employment, education, and housing.

The St. Louis American plays a pivotal role in advocacy.  Founded in March 1928 by prominent African American businessmen, including Judge Nathan B. Young Jr and Homer G. Phillips, the St. Louis American promoted programs of economic development.  In 1930, the newspaper initiated the "Buy Where You Work" campaign, protesting against the disproportionately high Black unemployment rates.  The St. Louis American brought attention to white store owners who operated and profited in black, segregated neighborhoods but refused to hire Black workers.

Both of these African American newspapers ardently fought for the rights of the black community during periods when political privileges and social equality were severely restricted.

Let It Flow is created with continuous hand movement to capture a sense of spontaneity.  

Similarly, Action Drawing is a style of art that aims to capture movement and energy in a dynamic way.  It often involves quick, gestural stokes and expressive lines to depict a subject in motion. 

Automatic Drawing is a technique where the artist allows their hand to move freely across the surface without a predetermined plan or conscious control.  The idea is to tap into the subconscious, allowing the artist to access a more intuitive, unfiltered form of expression, and allowing unplanned lines and shapes to emerge.

The eye records perceptual data and linking perceptual data to thought with meaning can generate multiple, misleading conclusions.  The eye, capturing specific moments, may convey the emotional or impactful essence of an event.  However, a complete understanding often requires context from the entire act or event.  Isolated moments of any event may lack the full meaning or significance.  

Comparably, understanding the essence of a crime often requires a combination of visual evidence, forensic analysis, and additional information to piece together a comprehensive picture.  You may not have seen what you thought you saw.

Everybody saw it” generally implies a collective observation or shared experience, suggesting that multiple individuals witnessed a particular event or incident.  Visual testimony can be used to emphasize the undeniable nature of what occurred, often signaling a shared understanding or agreement about the reality of the situation.

Historically, there were instances when legal systems and societal norms marginalized the testimony of African Americans, particularly when it involved crimes committed by European Americans.  These discriminatory practices were embedded in racist laws and attitudes.  Over time, civil rights advancements and legal reforms have sought to address such injustices, emphasizing equal treatment for all witnesses regardless of their race.  Unbiased and inclusive perspectives are crucial in understanding and addressing crime.