Figure Drawing

Figure Drawing is a love story involving two artists: one, Jamie Nez, is an extraordinarily gifted Navajo artist, estranged from his Navajo family and culture and living in Boston, and the other, Lina Page, is a beautiful young woman whom Jamie paints and brings to life. In an almost supernatural way, she is in touch with aesthetics and art because she was created from art. Art is still a part of her. The story includes this supernatural, creative incident, and then explores how these individuals would negotiate this "e;Pygmalion"e; like creation in today's modern, real world. As the two protagonists come to develop a clearer understanding of each other, while negotiating challenges and separations, and with the help of friends they make along the way, they come to learn who they are and develop a deeper love of each other. Lina (who as she develops has a name change to Rachel) becomes the means through which Jamie overcomes his own demons and finds his way back to his Navajo roots and family, and confidently accepts his artistic gifts. Lina comes to accept her own unique identity and gifts and her connections in this world, though it involves much sadness along the way. She must deal with having a baby she wants to nurture and help to grow, and, yet, she must come to terms with the possibility that she may not remain in this world for long. The story arc and perspectives involve both protagonists. It is both of their stories, individually, and together. The story takes place in Boston, New York City, northern California, and Navajo Nation in Arizona.