David Leith with Bec, 2025, charcoal on paper. Photo by Shelby McKenzie.

IN THE PRESENCE OF THE OTHER

This project stems from Leith’s experience of “losing oneself in the presence of the other” in the process of drawing life.

This work aims to explore communication between artists and models by centering models in the process. The intention is to disrupt the objectification of the model while also inviting an audience to experience the ineffable qualities of communication that occurs during the creation of work from life. Models are to be given a voice, and the freedom to describe their own experiences of the artistic process.

The purpose of this residency is to use drawing from life to introduce audiences to the beauty and power of becoming “Lost in the Presence of The Other” ….to learn, to see, and sense each other more fully.