charcoal, pastel, and chalk
16 in. x 24 in.

image detail 1: [link]
image detail 2: [link]

the final exam for my advanced drawing class consisted of a written portion and this assignment. the assignment was to create a self-portrait that shows who I have been, as an artist and as a person, in this art class, in all art classes, in senior year, and in high school. my teacher hangs all of her classes' self-portraits on the ceiling in order to keep a piece of them in the class and inspire her incoming students. it really is inspiring to look up and see some of the fantastic portraits that decorate her ceiling. this is my addition to the collection.

so who have I been in high school? I have been many things, all in the process of getting to know myself. I've created and dispelled illusions and I've slowly started to see myself, my dreams, and my surroundings more clearly. I've approached art with more aim than ever; I've begun to think of it as a possible career and not a mere hobby or a talent to flaunt. I've met, loved, dreamed, and watched those dreams fail me. I've been an idealist and I've been a realist. I have found the beauty and flaws of the world and of human nature. I have delved into the darkest corners of my heart and mind, visited the most tragic moments of my life so far, and jumped into some of the most amazing memories I could have created. now, at the end of high school, I feel myself surfacing, stabilizing. I am seeing the world from a new angle. I am shrugging off everything that has blinded me in the past and searching for something solid. I am finally seeing myself.

[I have also developed a passion for the lovely, complimentary red and green and confirmed my love for Magritte's work]

please full view

also, I'm open to title suggestions.