Is That Really Me?

Creating “Is That Really Me?” was an experiment that pushed me. At the recent ISEA symposium, Brian Shorn shared a talk on surrealism: an approach I felt was too strange for my inner artist. I saw a challenge in the presentation. I embarked on an exploration: to integrate 25 different surrealistic approaches onto a single canvas. I am mindful of the challenge: combining 25 surrealistic art techniques including cut outs, cubomania, collage, bulletism, automatism, graphomania, and excavation. Bright red splatters, black drips, white splotches, and a faceless cutout cover the surface of my canvas. In the present moment, I can see this exercise stretching me. Usually, I do what satisfies my initial instincts: stay safe and “normal.” This creation disoriented me. I totally lost my bearings. When the 25 techniques found a place on my canvas, I was overwhelmed. Everything was disjointed. The task of getting the pieces to work together was daunting. At this stage of the process, I returned to my “usual” style, but I could see that I had been changed by the experience. While some of the approaches got completely buried on my painting surface, others remained front and center. I played with the different elements and even had some fun with them. I realized that my “usual” would never be the same again. The result feels odd to me. In the spirit of surrealism, this piece is strange. I don’t recognize the artist. Is that really me?  

I am mindful that this journey on my canvas will likely lead to little approval, but at least I am satisfied. I tried 25 surrealistic art techniques including cut outs, cubomania, collage, bulletism, automatism, graphomania, and excavation. Bright red splotches, black drips, white splatters, and a faceless cutout cover the surface of this canvas.