private view - a collection of self portraits
This is only one of several images I made with this project in mind. I began with a large and very free conte drawing which exaggerated my features. The second drawing was a more disciplined study in graphite.
In working on both these drawings I was continually confronted by the features of parents, grandparents and both my own sons. The exercise was a fascinating one both in terms of confronting my own identity and because of the continual struggle to balance the representational and the aesthetic.
In the end I chose to develop the graphite drawing by making a photocopy, and then working it further with conte, coloured pencil and collage. Torn photocopies of marine charts were added to provide context and linear and textural interest. The photocopier is a tool I use daily, and its mark is easily extended with conte crayon, one of my favourite drawing tools.
As regards the choice of style, context and reference, I would prefer to leave room for the observer to bring his or her own imagination to bear on the work. This is my statement for the moment, but in two years time I feel sure I will want to start again.