Self Portraits
These companion pieces explore themes of identity, mortality, and emotional duality through mixed media and embroidery. While Needle reflects introspection and the weight of impermanence, Sunflower offers a brighter counterpoint rooted in resilience and hope. Together, they present a dialogue between darkness and light, both grounded in the same visual language of hand-stitched symbolism and personal narrative.
Self Portrait with Needle
Mixed Media on Canvas, 16x20''
Inspired by Gustave Courbet’s iconic The Desperate Man, this piece explores themes of mortality and artistic identity through a lens of personal introspection. At the same time, it celebrates the act of making, honoring the physical and emotional labor behind the creative process.
Unlike traditional oil painting often associated with "high art," the use of materials here pays tribute to folk art, which has long been undervalued in the art world. Alongside classic embroidery techniques, the piece incorporates fabric, applique, a real sewing needle, and a small piece of jewelry. Gold thread is used for the text and subtle embellishments, while a death’s-head hawkmoth emerges from the canvas in raised stumpwork embroidery.
Self Portrait with Sunflower
Mixed Media on Canvas, 16x20''
Created as a direct counterpart to Self Portrait with Needle, this piece serves as its antithesis, offering a lighter and more uplifting reflection while maintaining a consistent visual language.
With a brighter color palette and a more optimistic tone, the work centers on a sunflower, traditionally a symbol of vitality and warmth, which, rather than following the sun, turns instead to face the artist.