I’m quite happy with the result, considering the purpose of the original 6 studies was to refresh myself on techniques after a three month break from art making and as quick project to compare the various modes of mark-making available at the most reduced of traditional applications.
Process:
- use a black and white reference photo
- print A3 size
- apply graphite to back of paper over contours and reference points of facial features
- transfer to substrate
- repeat as desired (6 times)
- execute the same image using different mediums and/or techniques of application (unsaturation is preferable or indeed actually necessary)
- photograph and open in photoshop
- superimpose, align and stack each artwork (including source photo, i.e 7 total) as a layer in the one document each equally set to multiply mode at 25-35% Fill (dependent on layer quantity and darkness)
- Flatten (finished)
I’m interested in the hidden complexity, the hybridised and confused ontology of the resultant image. It might just be coincidental, but last year I was spouting constantly in my Honours paper all about ‘the contemporary subject as a multiplied distributed self actualised by the role-play, self-presentation, networks and avatars of the virtual world of the internet’ (Sherry Turkle paraphrased). And here we have several different versions of myself, which rather ironically combine into a self-portrait that epitomises an elusive degree of quality I have sought for in the past with my drawing and have yet to achieve… though my goals have changed.