Week 23: "When I Look In the Mirror (A Portrait)"
A portrait's purpose is to capture the subject's inner essence in visible form. ~ Unknown
This week I decided to take a risk. This piece is something that not many have seen me do, a self-portrait. Even though I have been creating art for many years, I have only ever painted one other self-portrait. The first was ink on paper, which resides in my parent's home. The reason behind the lack of self-portraits is the introspective nature of this type of work. When I begin to really look at each minute detail of myself, uncomfortable feelings and extreme insecurities comes into play.
Just like a photographer or director, artists are observers of the world, but when the camera is turned they become unnerved, as do I. While studying myself, I had to look deep at each unwanted twist, turn, and curve. The only problem for me is that I am my own worst critic when it comes to how I look to the world. As many in this world, I see the flaws before I see the beauty. I am drawn to my most hated flaws and end up emphasizing them more that the parts that are "aesthetically pleasing". Do I do this with all my subjects? Why do I scrutinize my flaws rather than praise the beauty? If I were to concentrate on the beauty of myself when I look in the mirror, what kind of portrait would I paint then?
Good Job! but...That Boy is still staring at me!
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