My Symbolic Self Portrait
This is my Symbolic Mixed Media Self Portrait. I created this with the hope that I could share a bit about myself with others here in the states as well as in Angola, when I visit in September. But I don't want to be the only one sharing! My goal is that as many people as possible will share parts of themselves in this art making co-op, so that we might all learn a little more about each other's every day lives, rituals and traditions.
Below I describe my process and symbolism. Take from it anything that is helpful and leave behind what is not.
I began by collecting items that represented my daily life. Starbucks bags and wrappers. Wood from Alabama. Daily report sheets from my kids' nanny. Maps of Alabama and Tennessee that my children painted on. Favorite Bible verses. Wire and twine from a friend.
Next I laid the wood together on the masonite (the flat manufactured wood) and moved it around until I was happy with the spacing. Then I screwed it down.
Next, I chose a color that would compliment the other colors of the items I had collected and painted the wood and masonite.
Then, I tore all the pieces I had collected in similar ways. This created repetition with items that would not otherwise have anything to do with each other. The torn edges also created interesting texture. I spent a while moving the pieces around to get visual balance around the composition.
When I was satisfied with the first layer, I glued the pieces down with matte Mod Podge. You can also use Elmer's glue, but I would paint it on to prevent wrinkles. Next, I began to add another layer of symbolic elements. Pictures of me and my kids, twine, wire and metal flashing.
When you apply photos to your piece, pay attention to the direction the people in the photos are looking. This will create an implied sight line that the viewer will naturally follow. Think about unconventional ways to attach your items, (i.e. nails or screws).
Layers are more fun than no layers.
The varying gauges of wire and the twine created more texture.
Line variation and font variation also added interest. Overlapping the text onto other layers helped to unify the parts.
The symbolism of my self portrait begins with the wood. Not only is it from Alabama, where I grew up, but there are two pieces side by side, but separate. This represents parts of my life that formed the person I am but are no longer a part of me. There is a map of northern Alabama (where I grew up) and half of Tennessee, where I have lived for 7 years. My children painted on each of the maps. The torn pieces of paper are Starbucks bags and wrappers representing my daily ritual of coffee consumption. There are daily sheets from my kids' nanny representing their daily routines.
The wire surrounds all the pieces in a winding way similar to the paths of many road trips I have taken with my children. This wire seems hold in all the pieces together that appear to be floating away or are broken apart, similar to the way my friends and family have surrounded me.
The bible verse represents the importance of my faith journey to my every day life. We always have joy.
Please consider creating a symbolic self portrait to share with our friends in Angola, Africa this September. Once you have created your piece, submit your image and I will share it with the participants in Angola. Once I return I will share their creations with you!