Naked
Naked (2004)
15×23 Pastel on Pastel Paper
Original is Sold
The very first self-portrait I ever attempted was a nude back view that felt safe and within my comfort zone at the time, but after receiving numerous flattering requests for a full frontal piece, I kept tossing around the idea of stepping out from behind the curtain. I was incredibly reluctant at first because I hardly ooze self-confidence, and I spent a lot of time wondering what my friends and family might say or whether I should artificially enhance myself the way I sometimes do to find the perfect view of my other subjects. In the end, I knew it had to be a true reflection of me rather than just a fantasy version of myself, and while I am genuinely happy with how Naked turned out, it is still a bit nerve-wracking to put myself out there for the whole world to see, completely exposed.
