The Shadow Self Series started during lockdown when this model worked quite diligently with me to successfully bite into an orange and drip juice everywhere!
It was a ton of laughs, and yet the most artful experience ever!
Little did I know then that this would be the beginning of the shadow self series. The whole series is still in progress.
I anticipate it will probably last many years from now.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0781/7730/4894/files/Quench_-_HQ_5c1074d5-805e-474a-ae50-48b7e0a36a01_240x240.jpg?v=1712149635)
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0781/7730/4894/files/Blunt_-_HQ_789bcb9a-6556-4777-9094-d08d21a293c8_240x240.jpg?v=1712149607)
It’s truly a labor of love.
I get to know these models, and participate in an extremely one of a kind experience with them.
Most of the models work with me to capture a series of videos from which 1 select image is ultimately chosen.
Then we move on to selecting a frame that possesses some (or most) of the elements I'm looking for in a piece; powerful eyes, a hidden story and grit.
The whimsical feel of a few of the pieces evolved after being absorbed by the painting for some time.
The whimsical feel of a few of the pieces evolved after being absorbed by the painting for some time.
For example the Pearl series influenced the Shadow Self series. After reflecting on quite a few of the paintings in a single room, I found myself adding pearly bubbles to Aviator and Limon. I placed the bubbles with masking tape first to see if I really should commit.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0781/7730/4894/files/Aviator_-_HQ_a3394d22-70bf-4ee6-ae96-cf8f41448536_240x240.jpg?v=1712149495)
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0781/7730/4894/files/Limon_-_HQ_881af6b2-f766-4106-8b9b-d4da03077c68_240x240.jpg?v=1712149437)
This is the process of my art. Looking at a human and being inspired by them.
Partnering with the model to capture a feeling and selecting a single image worthy of transferring to canvas. It's a big decision; moving from digital to analog.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0781/7730/4894/files/362245150_205272065807751_2502020768181085234_n_240x240.jpg?v=1704991265)
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0781/7730/4894/files/404281068_275776675423956_4976917002834599048_n_240x240.jpg?v=1704989586)
Then I allow the pieces to evolve on their own timeline and influence each other in ways that I could never have imagined.
#CollaboativeArtExperience #ArtColab #ContemporaryArtColab #ContemporaryPortraitArt