... Read moreIt's truly incredible to look back at my artistic journey through the lens of my self-portraits. What started as simple pencil sketches back in 2017 has blossomed into a deeply personal exploration of who I am, and who I'm becoming. Each stroke, whether in a detailed line drawing or a vibrant watercolor painting, tells a part of my story. It’s not just about capturing a likeness, but about understanding the evolution of my self portraits through the years and my own artistic development.
One recurring theme in my work, as many of you might notice, is the concept of #unfinishedart. Sometimes it feels like I'm constantly moving on to the next piece before truly completing the last. But lately, I’ve started to see this not as a flaw, but as a reflection of life itself. Are we ever truly "finished" evolving? My unfinished pencil sketch from 2023 with its intricate curly hair and closed eyes perfectly embodies this. It's a work in progress, just like me. There’s a certain beauty in the raw honesty of these pieces, a testament to the ongoing process of self-discovery. They whisper stories of moments when inspiration struck, or when thoughts were too fleeting to fully capture on paper, yet significant enough to leave their mark.
The shift in mediums also tells a tale. My pencil sketch from 2017, featuring a woman's profile with long, flowing hair, was all about delicate lines and capturing a serene expression. It was an early stage, a cautious beginning. Then came the explosion of color in the watercolor painting from 2018, depicting a woman's profile with voluminous, multi-colored curly hair. This period felt much more vibrant, reflecting a bolder, more expressive phase in my life and art. The warm skin tones and expressive eyes in that piece really mark a turning point in my style.
More recently, a vibrant watercolor painting with an abundance of colorful, curly hair, freckles, and detailed jewelry showcases a more confident and lively expression. This piece feels more "finished" in its presentation, yet the journey continues. These self-portraits are my way of engaging in personal identity drawing. They're a visual diary, a series of questions and answers about "who is this" person looking back at me from the canvas.
You might be wondering, "where" does all this art happen? It happens in my quiet moments, in my studio, but more profoundly, it happens within me. It’s a journey that unfolds not just on paper, but in my thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Each portrait, finished or not, is a step further in understanding my inner landscape. It's a testament to how art can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and growth, continually shaping and revealing the multifaceted layers of one's identity. I hope sharing this glimpse into my evolution encourages you to explore your own artistic paths, however unfinished they may seem.