Self-Portrait
Self Portrait
Graphite on Paper
18x24"
Transformation:
First Version (start)
Second (before burning)
Third
Thoughts
I chose to repair my self-portrait which I made over the summer. I wanted to give the piece more meaning and fix the structures in the face which made it look less realistic (for example the eyes). The piece mainly discussed my physical appearance and I wanted to use this opportunity to discuss my inner self. I fixed the eyes, mouth, neck, and added fire in the background demonstrating the anger and the short temper that I have which most people don't see. I also burned the portrait to show how the fire in the back is coming out and how the two sides of myself are coming together. The first also discusses a kind of change and rebirth in a sense as it gives the piece new meaning and it also alludes to the legend of phoenixes. The look on my face is more serious than I actually am. Overall, I feel this successfully depicts my inner self.
Process
First I corrected the face. Originally the eyes were too big, so I experimented with changing the size of the eyelids, lower lid, and pupil to get just the right shape.
I then moved onto the lips and neck and fixed those.
I started planning and learning how to draw flames. I used my process book to help.
After finishing the drawing, I took photos before I burned it. I used a lighter to burn parts of the page and a napkin to damper the flame.
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This is such a thoughtful repair, and I love how you altered the paper with the burning. There is a lot of emotion and boldness in the way that the figure stares directly at the viewer, and I think that the addition of flames pushes that emotion even further towards the anger you intended to portray. There does seem to be some distance from the drawing itself and the burning (which makes sense because it would be hard to ruin such a beautiful drawing), but I love the little moments where the flame starts to eat away past that white border.
ReplyDeleteI think your idea to burn this was really clever. It is so unexpected given how 'perfect' the drawing is, ad this new action completely changes the piece, in a good way! I agree with Middy^ that the larger gaps are definitely more fascinating to look at, and my eyes are immediately drawn to those parts in the piece. The burn marks/residue are also really fun to look at, as the paper gets shriveled up in those spots.
ReplyDeleteIsha this idea is so thoughtful, it takes a lot of skill to be able to get proportions right and I think your revisions do that nicely. I am glad you added the process of burning it, the drawing almost appears to have bullet holes. The burnt edges give the drawing an antique look which really makes my eyes flow around the face in the middle.
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