She’s here, my Medusa self portrait is finally finished.
This canvas is a time capsule. I first began this self-portrait in 2013, back when I was still aiming for black and white realism. Being only 23 at the time, I was struggling to define my process and battling personal insecurities that made finding the patience required for such a sustained project nearly impossible. I grew so frustrated with my own self-doubt that I abandoned it, and I had every intention of painting over it completely.
Rediscovering this piece sparked a story I had to share. Now at the age of 35, I’m much more confident not only in my self-image but in my process and artistic voice as well. I’m glad I waited a decade to revisit this work and finally give it the life it needed with my bright color palette and the integration of surreal aquatic elements.
Why Medusa? The choice of subject is the result of a long, internal reckoning—a story born from complex emotions and the dissolution of past relationships. Once the official photographs are taken, I will share the full narrative of this piece. For now, try not to get turned to stone.
“There is no exquisite beauty… without some strangeness in the proportion”