Self Portrait

Elements symbolic of particular times, locations and attitudes are present when a painting begins to collect itself. The accumulation forms an amalgamated memory that is general yet composed of specific elements.

This memory produces an ambiguous response which makes the image familiar without suggesting anything specific. It is like seeing a person you are sure you know yet you cannot remember a name or location with which to connect. The next response involves specific elements which offer a distinct point of reference for the memory.

These elements open a doorway allowing thoughts buried by time and circumstance to be re-experienced. When superimposed on the current context it reveals a relationship between the past and present.

J.M.C.