A Personal History
the beginnings of Myself
Growing up wearing a leg-brace, people would often assume that I needed their help. But I had a fire within me that refused to let my physical challenges define me. It became my mission to prove that I could do it MySelf, and that stubborn determination earned me the nickname that stuck with me throughout my childhood.
When I first started exploring "Self Portraiture as Medicine," I noticed a recurring theme in my artwork. I would often superimpose my shadow onto the elements of nature, creating a powerful visual representation of my journey. Whether it was my hand casting a shadow on a delicate California Lilac bloom at an impressive altitude, or my elongated and strong silhouette at sunset, my self-portraits began to reflect the strength, courage, and resilience I had always displayed in navigating my physical limitations.
In these portraits, I saw the person I had become. Someone who had triumphed over adversity, who had become independent, accomplished, and above all, someone who was filled with an extraordinary abundance of joy in simply being alive. This overwhelming sense of joy became the driving force behind my artwork.
Inspired by the radiant sunlight that bathes southeastern Arizona, I began to incorporate my shadow, MySelf, into my self-portraits. The result was a series of images that seemed to emit a glow, capturing the energy of the immense joy that fills me. It is this energy that propels me to strive for more, to do more, and to feel more.
In my artwork, I hope to convey not only the beauty of the physical world but also the inner strength that can arise from overcoming life’s challenge. My self-portraits are a celebration of life, a testament to the power of joy, and a reminder that determination can turn challenges into triumphs. Growing up wearing a leg-brace caused others to think that they needed to help me.
But NO! I would do it MySelf!
MySelf is a strong and powerful image of sparkle and light that emanates a joy of being alive. This outstretched palm, strong and knowing, is illuminated against the starlike background, giving me a deep perspective into MySelf and her place in the Cosmos.
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Next: Myself’s journey through the challenges of hiking to the top of a glacier, down the Black Canyon of the Gunnison River, over house-sized boulder to bathing in a desert pool. Exploring courage and wisdom.
I am passionate about using Self Portraiture As Medicine to go deep into my beliefs and release those which no longer serve me. My intent is to capture the energy of joy in the moment.
Fine Art Metal Prints
