A metaphorical self-portrait goes beyond the
physical characteristics that people use to identify one another. Beyond the surface of what other people see
lies the inner-most part of a person that is inherently the essence of who they
are. When an artist creates a
metaphorical self-portrait, the process of engaging in the search for one’s
true identity is more important than the resulting artwork.
Many years ago, when I returned to university as an adult to earn my first degree, I was given a printmaking assignment where the goal was to visually define my identity. I was
particularly interested in and challenged by this project, due to a life journey in which my
sense of self had been challenged, up-ended, and at times, lost. I am certain that I am not alone in this
experience, for life’s happenings touch us all, sometimes causing so much loss
that self-identity is lost as well. When
I questioned my own identity, I had to look past the surface of the changeable,
the temporary and the opinions of others to peer down into my soul. It was there that I found my foundation, and
the axis upon which all that I truly know and understand in this life. It was there that I remembered the
very core of who I am and what has remained consistent throughout my life. I found that my identity is in Christ.
Throughout the years of trials, loss and unwanted changes leading up to this art piece, one thing stayed fixed - who I am in relation to God. No matter what I faced and walked through in life, God's presence, mercy, love, strength, guidance, grace and peace was there for me as his precious child. Psalm 139 describes God's love and care for the individual... "O LORD, thou has searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and hast laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
Wither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in the book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there were none of them.
How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee."
Metaphorical Self Portrait I and II
Drypoint intaglio print on tea-stained paper,
watercolor, pop-up style book page
John 1:12 "But as many as received him. to them gave he the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."
All Scripture taken from the 1611 King James Bible
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