On Self Portraits...

While hashing out some sketches for some new paintings last night, I got to thinking about self portraits. I remember, as a kid, thinking that all the famous artists in the world who painted all those self-portraits of themselves must have been incredible egomaniacs. Then, as I got older, I realized it has very little to do with ego, but is all about FREE MODEL! Yup. That's it. I know I certainly can't afford to pay a model to sit for me! Also... the "artist as model" is always available, and in addition to working for free, is willing to pose however you want, and doesn't give you any attitude. Although I don't draw or paint "self portraits" as such, I definitely use myself as a model to get proportions and such right.

I was also contemplating how, in some ways, there is an element of "self portrait" in any work an artist creates. For me (and people who know me well have pointed this out) my current state of mind and what's happening in my life tends to find it's way onto the canvas. There is an element of vulnerability and self-exposure to art... sometimes it's right on the surface, and sometimes you have to look for it, but it's always there, someplace. It's one of the many things that intrigues me about art.