"Who Are You" - A Collection of Portraits of the Inner Self

Each of us goes through this life wearing a mask at some or many points. Often our masks are worn out of a sense of necessity because of a job or a life situation or an important relationship. But more often we wear it as a protective shield unconsciously fearing other's awareness of our vulnerabilities and insecurities. Our masks act as a self-protection against the cold and the heat and sometimes abrasive nature of society. The convenience of a mask permits us to remain somewhat disconnected and unattached not to have to internally connect and draw others into our personal inner-space and reveal our true feelings.

Throughout history in many cultures masks have been used to either hide one's true identity or to arm one with additional powers. That concept carries itself into today's culture but replaces the tangible mask with an attitude or a mindset. This process once again empowers and speaks an identity with a tangible representation.

For the portrait an individual sheds his or her societal masks during a personal interview. The interview consists of a series of questions relating to personal history, choices in given circumstances as they relate to everyday life, and personal color selections. In addition, a plaster casting of the subject's face is usually taken to bring an emotional and physical connection to the portrait as well. The subject also chooses a fictitious name giving yet another personal dimension. At birth we are named by others but here one has an opportunity to determine what he or she will be called by the world allowing a sense of true self to be presented while protecting anonymity. Those who have participated in this project have told me that they gained a deeper view of themselves and a higher level of personal insight by the interview process. Given our busy lives, we don't seem to have much time to look at ourselves and this presents an opportunity.

Check this site, I will be posting updates. Also, I will be introducing Jane and some of her friends, fun characters who were developed during this project.