Last year, when we toured many of the great museums in Paris, I discovered that several famous artists painted a self-portrait. Some artists, like van Gogh, painted many. Some of you know that my wonderful husband is an artist. What you probably don't know is that he, too, is a master of the self-portrait. Today I decided (with his permission) to share with you a few of David's self-portraits. You will see how his self-perception has changed through the ages and I am sure you will be able to appreciate how he has grown as an artist.
Sometime in his early twenties, David created this likeness of himself. It was composed using crayola felt-tipped markers on a sturdy card-stock. Note the acurate stylization of the mullet hair cut that is so reminicent of the era, as is the single gold earring dangling from his left ear. Since it was drawn the year we were married (evidenced by the enormous smile on his face), we'll call this his romantic period.
Next, sometime in his early thirties, David moved to a photographic medium for self-expression. This rendering was made while actually flying an airplane. Note the "I-was-made-to-do-this" grin on his face, as well as the dramatic reflection in the sunglass lens. This portrait was made as David realized his call to become a pilot, so we will call this his enlightenment period.
Finally, and most recently, we have this picture which suddenly appeared on my cell-phone. Taken with my cell-phone camera, this poigniant moment of self-actualization is perhaps the culmination of David's greatest works. Lest you be completely dismayed, let me point out that David is missing the upper third of his left index finger. So this photo is more of an illusion than a reality. Still, it speaks to me. It speaks of a late-thirties man who has fought against the urge to become too serious as he ages. It speaks of a hilarious husband who is full of surprises. It speaks of a guy with perhaps a little too much time on his hands. And I don't think this period can be labeled. It stands as a work in a universe all its own!
No comments:
Post a Comment