Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Three self portraits

I decided to do a few self portraits using plexiglas as a canvas. I wanted to see what would be possible painting on one side of the plexiglas and then flipping it over to see what was painted. It is a little like water color, but it is possible to build up layers of paint in reverse. Because the wet paint does not soak in, the water dries over time leaving the pigment on the surface. It is a new method for me and feels interesting because I am building up to a final picture that I cannot see until I flip over the plexiglas. I tried to wait to view the finished side so that I would utilize my intuition more.

I decided to have a neutral look to my face with eyes closed because I had seen another artist create portraits with eyes closed. For me it makes the viewer consider more of the color, technique and the features of the face in the painting. I didn't want the viewer to look too closely at the painted eyes for information.

I chose to focus on my face because I feel that my art is attracting certain experiences to me. I have been observing for some time that I have experienced events based on my work. And in fact, I have been creating works based on experiences I would like to have. Like the law of attraction, what I place attention on, the universe provides. This, however, has to my knowledge never been explained in terms of spiritual paths or events even. And so there has been a bit of experimentation to each work that I create. In the end, I make what I feel will fulfill a need of mine, and with these works I felt that I needed to focus in on my body. I had been feeling kind of spacey and hoped to be able to feel more awareness of my body as a result of this work. To some extent I believe that it worked. For example, I noticed how much more I could smile.

All in all, I am happy with the technique and with the self portraits. I feel that there is a certain way that emotion is conveyed through the paint that is right on target.
All works are acrylic on plexiglas, 2007. Enjoy.







Detail of above

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Nice Work! I hope you didn't forget to vote!

Anonymous said...

I like what you had to say about keeping your eyes closed... It looks like its snowing... Yr. getting ready for the inevitable, huh? Or is that white light?

Steve said...

Thanks Sarah! About the white, I guess it can be whatever you see in it. For me it was paint that covered a not so good painting of my face below it. :^)

Anonymous said...

You are gorgeous!! Love the artwork.

david santos said...

Brilliant posting, Steve, brilliant!!!


Happy New Year....

Anonymous said...

Steve may you rest in peace! We will all miss you and your artwork. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during these difficult times. I can't believe it has been more than a month since you left us.

Anonymous said...

Dear all of Steve's friends and loved ones,
The Florida branch of Steve's family has chosen to honor his memory by visits to the Indian Mound in Philippe Park, Safety Harbor, Florida. I had shared with Steve the importance of this spot to me, so I feel close to him there. You can visit the park by going to their website, http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/11_Philippe.htm I would be happy to join you for a walk there someday and share fond memories. (sbpanellaatverizondotnet) We know he is living on through his art and poetry as well as in each of your hearts. May I continually find creative, quiet ways to show kindness and love to others as he lives on through me. I miss him. He knows how much I love him. I feel privileged to call such a sensitive, deep, artistic soul my forever (step)son.
Love,
Susie Panella

Margie said...

Dear Susie
I have been away from blogging for a while & just came back a few weeks ago.

I'm in shock as I read your words about Steve being gone.
When did he leave this world?

I'm truly sorry to know about Steve's passing & I sincerely hope his memory shall always be a blessing!

I shall not forget the beauty Steve brought to the world.

RIP Steve!

Margie

Anonymous said...

Steve passed away on Nov. 28th. Here is the site www.legacy.com/STNG-BeaconNews/Obituaries.asp?Page=... -

Margie said...

I keep Steve in my thoughts!
He will never be forgotten!

Margie

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Margie said...

Steve is not forgotten!