“You use a glass mirror to see your face; you use works of art to see your soul.” -George Bernard Shaw

All art is autobiographical. An artist cannot help but reflect themselves in their work. As a portrait and figure painter, I strive to capture my subject’s likeness both visually and emotionally. Sometimes, I see in others what I hope might be in myself. This recent portrait painting of a wandering Indian ascetic is as aspirational for me as it is representational. I can’t help but admire what this man has renounced in order to gain something far greater than anything the material word could give him- freedom.

Maybe one day, like this man, I will have the courage to move through the world emotionally naked, unguarded and fearless.

Maybe one day, like this man, I can let go of wanting what I know I can never get from outside myself.

Maybe one day, like this man, I can be detached yet fully present.

Maybe one day, like this man, I can be in this world but not of it.

Maybe one day, I can answer the question his gaze asks of me, “Can you see the shackles that bind you?”

Yes, I do. May my art be the key that frees me from those shackles.

Maybe one day.

“Seeing Through the Illusion”: Portrait of an ascetic

Original source image by The Silent Nomad

16x20 in | 41x51 cm

oil on linen board (framed)

$1,000