In these pencil portraits, individual characters each adopt their own particular stance – some in an aggressive way, some in a more demure and cautious fashion.The messages in these works relate to body language, and to the postures we adopt to protect ourselves and to confuse others. These portraits employ exaggeration, distortion and caricature.

All works are pencil on paper, 1985 and measure 15 x 10 cm

There are female and male stances, and regular use of visual puns and sexual themes such as predation and exhibitionism. In all these works, pain and humour combine and allusions are made to the rituals and casualties of courtship, including the walking wounded. Repetition, particularly in relation to limbs and hands, is employed regularly to create ambiguity as well as implied movement.