Chantal-Andree Samson | PAINTINGS AND DRAWINGS | Frank Porcu

ANATOMY

A Tiny Tribute to Frank Porcu

" You must use the science of the form as the basis for your rhythmic line, and not just pure expression. Knowledge of anatomy gives the rhythmic line direction, stability, a beginning and an end -- it becomes much more powerful... Muscles create a more beautiful rhythmic line than we could ever come up with ourselves. "

-Frank Porcu, Écorché instructor at the Art Student's League of New York, January 26 2003

At the Art Students League of New York, I was introduced to human anatomy. More specifically, for the first time, I understood that to represent the human form, one must first understand the underlying structure that supports that form. By learning how muscles, and the bones that support them, create the curves and turns of the human body, one can better see the body and therefore reproduce it.

I will be forever grateful to Frank Porcu, a passionate and brilliant young League instructor who communicated his endless fascination with the body to his students. His lectures and courses never failed to impress, and even the most casual of participants was left inspired to further their knowledge of anatomy.