Project 1: Symbolic Self-Portrait
Competency 1: Creates Personal Images
I would like to get to know you better and evaluate your level of drawing
and artistic expressive skills.
By following the project's steps in class, you will visually show different aspects of who you are - likes and dislikes, personality strengths and qualities, favorites, hobbies, etc.
_________On the right are some examples of students' Symbolic Self-Portraits___________
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Why do artists make self-portraits?
Since the Renaissance, artists have used self-portraits to explore a basic question: Who am I? While a mirror or a photograph can tell a person what he or she looks like, that physical image does not reflect the whole self. Self-portraiture insists the artist embark on a journey of self-exploration in order to make decisions about how to represent him/herself authentically. For each self-portrait, the artist must ask: What expression, posture, clothing, background, colors, texture, and style best express the real me? Might those answers be different at any given time?
Artists have always had practical reasons for making self-portraits; for instance, they get a model who is always available and works for free; self-portraits are a good way for an artist to practice rendering different expressions and moods; and they can serve to advertise the artist’s skill to potential customers. Self-portraits may also represent an artist’s quest for immortality, as a way to leave behind an image that will outlive the artist. Additionally, a self-portrait can preserve a memory, serve as a gift, and even help an artist further understand him/herself. |
___________ Press any of the following links to see some interesting examples of how different artists use the idea of a self-portrait to show us, the viewers, who they are and give us some interesting insight into their personality:
http://www.artquotes.net/famous-paintings/self-portraits/index.htm
