The Current Condition
Self portraiture is a returning subject in my work. Browsing past artists' work I can get tiny glimpses into their lives and ponder the meaning of their expressions, poses, surroundings, and technical choices. With more research, I think I can understand more of their context and who the person was behind the painted mask. This creates an important bridge to the artists of the past and the greater context of art and social history.
In a self portrait, as opposed to a commissioned portrait, the focus moves from trying to create a pleasing representation of the sitter, to a more free-roaming exploration of other concerns. I can approach expressions and poses outside the norm. I find it easier to appropriate new techniques and processes. And I can observe myself from a detached vantage point, and gain new understanding about myself. These paintings are about how I react to the current condition. About my current condition. The condition of the world as it is reflected in me. In this quick-paced and action-hyped age, painted slow-selfies seem appropriate as a vessel of reflection on the state of our world and how it affects me as an individual.
