Day 8. A Candle Lit Mirror Self-Portrait
Day 8. After yesterday's exploration of not being concerned with the 'physical reality' or the aesthetic outcome, today I went back to my approach of the earlier ones. This time by candle light. I think letting the previous portrait influence the next has so far been a good method of gaining something from these.
Day 3. Watermelon Pain. Mirror Self Portrait
Day 3. I originally intended to just use this watermelon as a prop. The previous night I had seen a portrait of someone eating. I think those two ideas collided in my brain. It made a portrait of physical endurance.
It’s Time To Stare At My Face Once Again. Mirror Self Portrait
I’ve reached the 100 paintings of my dreams! I’m not planning on stopping painting them. I am going to explore some more self portraits. The 2 mirror self portraits I have completed so far have been enlightening processes. There’s a whole area in between the portraits and the dream paintings to explore. Here’s my thinking before I begin this journey of seeking more of myself.
I'm recording the process as a diary, documenting my thoughts immediately after completing each. The emphasis of this series is on the discovery, I have no idea which direction these will go. I will do my best to engage with the process unbounded.
My First Mirror Self-Portrait Painting
I wrote this within an hour of finishing (mostly) this. I wanted to capture my intitial thoughts and response and as a consequense reads like a journal entry.
We just finished watching the 3 part Frida Kahlo documentary on BBC last night. Not that it inspired me, but it was in my mind while starting. I'm somewhat used to having my photo taken wearing our garments. 'Dressing up'. How do I want to present these shirts? What do they pair with? Etc. Like the Kahlo self-portraits. How do I want to present myself? There's the possibility to present whatever / however / whoever I want. I suppose even with a straight deadpan expressionless face I'm still choosing to present something to the world. This is me. Unavoidable.