Student 9

(question 5) In your own words, describe your self-portrait and the style of art it represents. Please try to explain your use of line, shape, color and texture and what is conveys to you.

My portrait is representational. It is self-expressive. I used icy colors because I tend to be somewhat distant. The triangles and vertical lines symbolize my independence and stability. I have used sandpaper to show that I can be harsh and slightly abrasive. I have also used clouds (cotton balls) to show my soft and warm side. The use of the cross represents my relationship with my boyfriend. I have recently(less than a week ago) gotten engaged. The math problem symbolizes how analytical I am. I'm extremely rational and logical.

(question 6) Please explain how you used ideas from the resources on the self we studied. Did you consciously use ideas from or react to any of the following resources in your self-portrait: the psychological theories of self? The Rilke discussion of "faces," "hands," or "costumes"? The Asian views of the self? The examples from art of non-representational self-portraits? Please clearly explain what ideas from these sources you integrated into your self-portrait and why.

I used the theories about the self that Dr. Farrar explained last Tuesday. I got most of my information from my notes and her handout, i.e., the use of textures, line, shape, color, etc.

(question 7) In what ways do these different disciplinary resources agree with one another on the question of what is the self?

They all combine to make the person whole. Although each is separate, it isn't complete alone.

(question 8) In what ways do they conflict with each other on the question of what is the self?

Sometimes they are contadictory. I am both harsh and soft. How do they all apply at the same time? Or do they? Maybe one is more powerful thatn the other.

(question 9) Does your self-portrait try to reconcile these ideas or did you choose a particular postion to convey? Why?

My portrait argues with itself. My sky is both frazzled and calm. My house is stable, but yet my fence is broken. I'm sweet and snappy all at the same time.

(question 11) In our unit on the self, is there a right answer to the question of what the self is? If not, what is your reaction to our inability to provide a clear answer one way or the other on this issue?

No, there isn't a specific answer. I'll never completely understand myself. When I think I finally do, I surprise myself. I am everything and nothing at all. I think even the greatest philosophers couldn't answer this question.

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