I chose to explore self-portraiture for my final art pieces by combining fantastical and surreal elements to existing photos of myself and by playing with color—artists Rosie Hardy, Annie Leibovitz, and less known Marcus Guinoza inspired my process and style. Although the original photographs of me were taken by others, the self-portraiture appears through a personal investigation of the complexities of my mind. A history of anxiety and depression as well as learning differences that have made my educational journey challenging contrast with my mental healing and creative energy.

 

The pandemic has forced everyone to pause and reflect on what life they want to truly live. I have been working to understand what my priorities are and how to tangibly change my rhythms to ones that bring me joy and fulfillment. I’m hoping to learn how to love and appreciate my brain, seeing how I can work with it rather than become frustrated and burnt out by it. This is an ongoing, long-term process, but I decided that I may as well dive into it now through my art.