Everything I Ever Needed To Know I Had To Learn Over

In My Own Language

1999-2017. 26 images. A journey of self portraiture inspired by the alphabet.

Utilizing the alphabet as a focal point, I began this series in 1999. Moving to Florida to attend massage school marked a shift in focus from landscape to figurative work. While the majority of the pieces were developed directly from a mirror, others are more imaginal and/or include figures which are not directly myself. Through extensive meditation on and consideration of each letter, I developed personal mythology, and symbolism and explored the historical contrast between pictorial image and written/printed language. With four images left to complete, cancer diagnoses delayed work for several years. Attending Tamalpa Institute’s expressive arts training program, which utilizes a self portraiture process of its own design, provided healing inspiration and the Z was completed in 2017. I am now creating performances which are a continuation of this project.

Pieces are 12 X 18" on paper, graphite, gouache, watercolor and pastel. The series was shown at The Studios of Key West November, 2022. Originals, developmental sketches, alternate versions and reproductions available for exhibition and purchase.
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