Self-portrait I: I love being me, it hurts
Drawing pen on board
89,5 cm x 64 cm
Artist’s Statement
This self-portrait, rendered meticulously with a black fine liner using the stippling technique, is a meditation on the quiet complexity of introspection. Each dot serves as a moment of reflection- tiny, deliberate marks that collectively shape the story of self-discovery, growth, pain, and healing. The act of stippling mirrors the slow, intentional journey inward, where no emotion is hurried and no detail overlooked.
In this piece, I sought to confront my inner world with honesty and gentleness. The portrait doesn’t strive for perfection, but instead embraces the fragility and resilience that coexist within me. Shadows and highlights emerge not only to define form, but to symbolise emotional contrast- the ache of past wounds set against the light of newfound peace.
Creating this work was an act of kindness toward myself. With every dot, I allowed space for vulnerability, forgiveness, and the acknowledgement of how far I’ve come. The process was meditative, even therapeutic, inviting stillness and patience.
The final image is both a map and a mirror: a map of the places I’ve been within myself, and a mirror reflecting the quiet strength it takes to face them. It is a portrait not just of my face, but of my evolution- an intimate testament to pain, growth, and the gentle arrival at peace.
Gallery
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