In figure drawing, hands and feet are probably the biggest challenge to an artist. They are as unique to one as ones facial features. They, by their shape and character, tell a story of where one has been and what one has done.

In my own drawings, often times I've chosen to leave out or leave unfinished the drawing of hands and feet. Sometimes my drawings appear finished for I've perfected my technique in overemphasizing other areas - drawing less attention to the more complex fingers and toes which demand a sharp eye and meticulous detail.

I've found that my life is often times much like my drawings. I pay lots of attention to the areas I can handle. Focusing on them is easy and I can come away with a piece of work, which is usually acceptable, perhaps even valuable to myself and to others. Yet, I know the importance of hands and feet to the wholeness of the body. And with that knowledge I am then obligated to pay attention, to embrace the challenge and to try my best to give them shape and expression.

Hands and feet are to my drawings as are spirituality and sexuality to my life. I cannot pretend to have a completed life drawing without them. God's given me the knowing and understanding and gift to pay attention to the detail of life's intimate relational moments. These moments are nurtured through my prayer. Prayer provides the sacred space in which I can look long and hard at those fingers. Sometimes, no matter how hard I try to capture a likeness, I find I need the help of a teacher, a guide, a mentor, a friend. These have shared their vision with me and have expanded mine.

And what would the drawing of a body be without the feet and without the toes on those feet? And so the most sacred of God-given gifts… love… the appreciation and expression of love through the senses, the erotic, the sensual. Too, too often I've left feet undrawn or have hidden away toes, beautiful toes, in socks and shoes.

God's given me a glimpse of the completed drawing. There are no areas undrawn. Each is magnificently detailed and exquisitely expressive and connected to all other parts. The pencil's in my hand, the paper before me, my eyes and heart are fixed on the figure. My life is a drawing in process.