FYI. I am interviewing myself
Q. Why did I feel compelled to do a self portrait?
A. Through every art history book I have ever read, through every gallery I have ever visited, the artist’s interpretation of themselves has always been the most fascinating facet of art to me.
As artists, I believe that we all share one common element. Sensitivity. Sensitivity to our environments, to people, to life.
Hightened sensitivity is both a gift and curse. It allows us to taste food more richly, see colors more vividly, feel emotions more deeply.
I know I went through life hating the fact that I was sensitive. I viewed myself as fragile and different then all my peers growing up.
Art eventually helped me use that sensitivity to my advantage.
When you finally accept yourself, you learn to harness that sensitivity and allow it to bring you deeper into the beauty of life.
It must be easy to swim in a pool only a few feet deep, yet it must get very boring. While the waters can be rough, I am happy to be swimming in the Ocean.
Q. You just ranted. How does this pertain to your self portrait?
A. Stop interrupting yourself and let me finish. I was saying how all artists share that one comment element of sensitivity. That sensitivity causes you to have a very unique look at yourself. It can be very complex. Knowing the range of feelings that an artist can experience, seeing how an artist portrays themselves to the world is fascinating.
Q. What are you trying to express to the world with your self portrait?
A. The decision to do a self portrait was unexpected. I think if it was a few years ago, my self portrait would look more like a Francis Bacon painting.
The past few years have been the most critical moments in my life as an artist. I learned how important art was to my well being. This resulted in a connection to my art like I never had before. It created a sense of purpose, a sense of certainty, a sense of self.
The reason the painting looks the way it does is because I feel completely connected to my work. Everything is coming together in clear detail.
I wanted the painting to lack abstraction. My connection to art has never been more concrete.
I am very proud of this latest piece. It represents where I am at this point in time.
With all this said, I want to thank Dr. Paul Lichtenburg who has been a doctor, a friend, and a guide.
