| The answer to this question depends on society’s current moral compass. In times gone by the flash of a lady’s ankle was enough to deprave a nation. Now we live in a time—at least in the western world—where the bikini is de rigeur for the public beach. On every music channel semi-clad men and women move sensually and explicitly to the current sounds leaving us in little doubt of the intention of the performers. Although prohibited by the constraints of their societies, artists throughout the ages have represented human sexual activity. Turner’s sketchbooks revealed many erotic drawings, the Impressionists frequented houses of ill-repute to sensitively portray the private lives of prostitutes, and even Schiele and Klimpt stylishly portrayed female masturbation. Despite a long tradition of sexual art, the subject remains a topic of debate, and often derision. | 
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Garry Walton
Garry Walton. Courtesy of the artist.The answer to this question depends on society’s current moral compass. In times gone by the flash of a lady’s ankle was enough to deprave a nation. Now we live in a time—at least in the western world—where the bikini is de rigeur for the public beach. On every music channel semi-clad men and women move sensually and explicitly to the current sounds leaving us in little doubt of the intention of the performers. Although prohibited by the constraints of their societies, artists throughout the ages have represented human sexual activity. Turner’s sketchbooks revealed many erotic drawings, the Impressionists frequented houses of ill-repute to sensitively portray the private lives of prostitutes, and even Schiele and Klimpt stylishly portrayed female masturbation. Despite a long tradition of sexual art, the subject remains a topic of debate, and often derision.
The line between pornographic imagery and eroticism can be perilously close and the distinction is dependant on one’s moral viewpoint. Despite the fact that it may portray explicit sexual activity I hope that my work is considered “erotic” rather than pornographic. I also hope it is equally appealing to both men and women alike. I aim to arouse in the viewer some memory or fantasy that taps into his or her own sexuality. The work is almost exclusively voyeuristic—a peek into the private lives of couples or individuals in their most intimate moments. My models do not interact with the viewer they are lost in their own pleasure and are unaware of our gaze. For our part we watch, some of us supplanting ourselves into the scene, some of us simply appreciating the aesthetic of light on their nakedness. My current work explores the sexual act, and includes portrayals of both hetero and homosexuality, as well as individual masturbation. The subject matter may be perceived as a bit difficult because it challenges accepted views of good taste. As a result I don’t expect—or necessarily want—my work to be widely shown. It is intended as private and aimed at the discerning collector’s bedroom or private gallery.
My preferred mediums are soft pencil or chalks on colored papers. I feel that the chalk drawing on the dark paper invokes the half-light of early morning or dusk or the light falling from a half open curtain into a darkened room, creating a sense of intimacy. The simple pencil line drawings focus more on the shape and have a more graphic quality giving them a contemporary feel. I hope that my work is not in any way offensive to anyone and is viewed as a celebration of human intimacy.
