Masked
Self Portrait as Tiger, Graphite on paper, 50 x 38 inches
Studio, Madison, WI, 2008
Self Portrait as Butterfly, Graphite on paper, 50 x 38 inches
Self Portrait as Eagle, Graphite on paper, 50 x 38 inches
Self Portrait as Elephant, Graphite on paper, 50 x 38 inches
Self Portrait as Giraffe, Graphite on paper, 50 x 38 inches
Self Portrait as Gorilla, Graphite on paper, 50 x 38 inches
Self Portrait as Lion, Graphite on paper, 50 x 38 inches
Self Portrait as Pig #1, Graphite on paper, 50 x 38 inches
Self Portrait as Pig #2, Graphite on paper, 50 x 38 inches
Self Portrait as Shark, Graphite on paper, 50 x 38 inches
2008
In the "Mask" series, I use animal masks to transform into a character or beast, exploring primal instincts and animal attributes. As I spend time analyzing, drawing, and observing the character, role-playing can transform into reality; the animalistic persona can then become part of my identity.
These drawings also use posing, nudity and stylization to investigate models of beauty, femininity, elegance and tropes of portraiture.