The (faceless) Self Portrait

A traditional self portrait is ______? Mary Cassatt Vincent Van Gogh Jacob Lawrence - Created (painted, drawn, photographed) by the artist themselves. - A representation of the artist’s face and shoulders/upper body.

Vivian Maier Annie Leibovitz Basically, it shows us what someone looks like.

The Selfie. What is a selfie? What is the difference between a selfie and a self portrait?

Selfies don’t make history. Selfies are of your face (usually an awkward close up). Selfies are taken with a smart phone. Selfies are disposable.

A self portrait is thought out. Planned out. It has details carefully chosen by the artist. A self portrait contains information about the artist that is more than what they look like..

You can “read” a lot about an artist though a self portrait For this project, instead of focusing on our facial features, we are going to focus on the environments, gestures, and things that define us.

This person likes drinking tea!

This person likes reading and photography. And vintage ottomans. And lives in an older home.

This person likes relaxing. And lives by the sea?

This person plays the trumpet. (probably) What else can we gather about him/her?

What is this person saying about themselves?

These aren’t exactly faceless, but they could be…

Another Interpretation of the Assignment… Fill a silhouette of your face with “what is on your mind” or things/spaces that define you.

To begin your (faceless) self portrait, you will first do some introspective thinking about yourself. What sorts of things define you? What spaces do you live in/enjoy? What do you like to do with your time? What are your favorite material possessions?

Brainstorm Web Hobbies (sports, reading, video games, drawing) Material things (frye boots, elbowless jacket, glasses, bird clip) Animals (honeybee, cats) Nature (daffodils, oak tree) Home (xmas lights, food/dishes, lamp lighting, music)

- List 3-5 things per category - Draw 1-2 thumbnail sketches per category - Draw 3 Thumbnails combining elements from web above with your portrait

In Class: Brainstorm lists and images Homework: Take some photographs of your surroundings and special (or super regular) “things” that you might use for your drawing. Once you have shown me your sketches/brainstorms and your printed images, I will give you paper to begin. Your choice of drawing medium, but you must include at least one element of color.