Self Portrait Expression

CONTENT WARNING: This artwork contains or explores content that touches on any of the following topics: abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, verbal); aspects of psychology and mental health and contains depictions of self-harm, substance abuse, eating disorders, or suicide; swears or curses; hurtful or hateful language; discrimination (race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation); aspects of pregnancy; blood, violence, assault, kidnapping, trauma, or dying. Please read or view with care.

Sam R.

Colored pencils, inking pens

• Artist Statement

  This art was all about expressing my feelings. I used patterns and lines to explain what I feel on the inside comparing to what I show or display on the outside. I used friends, school and other things to show how they effect me each day. So by showing what hurts on the inside sometimes and the fake me I express on the outside, all tied together into creating this portrait. Around me are patterns I used to express what ties me back into what I love and things that take me back to my happy place.(traveling, sunsets,music). I used more of darker colors on the inside and lighter colors on the outside. What I think makes this such a strong piece is that how I explained my art could maybe make people think more about how they treat others. I’m my artwork I had drawn my neck being tied on a rope with blood coming down it. I think when people look at that they think about me commuting suicide or feeling really depressed, but it was more of almost like me being on a leash. For a long time I was in a lot of drama, dealing with broken friendships and just life in general. But even still now it still feels like I’m a slave or a servant to them. As they tie me on their leash. Then around me, I have new friends that make me feel free, safe and welcome. They bring me to happiness.

• Creative Statement

  This creativity means opening up how I feel on the inside sometimes, how I portray myself on the outside, and what pulls me back to that happy place I miss and love. It means being able to explain to others that sometimes it’s perfectly fine not being happy everyday.