Self portrait with willow (you’re hiding something)

Mixed medium on 600gsm cold press watercolour paper

Image size: width 54cm x height 60cm

In this self portrait study, random and intentional layering, scrubbing and rubbing back, reveals previous layers and marks.

The ‘interrogation’ takes place, destabilising the figure through partial distortion in an attempt to reveal a point of sensation between consciousness and the concealed.

For me, any portrait, including my own, is about revealing something that is not obvious in the sitters known character. Equally it’s about pushing the process of mark marking, both consciously and subconsciously to a point where the innate and impelling impulse of the work is revealed. The willow stick carries the vulnerability of such explorations.