• Above: Full Image.

Me is a drawn self-portrait. The process of making this piece involved experimentation with sharpies to render proper tones and line work. I used similar sharpie sizes, and loosened my gesture when creating highlights. That, or I left spots completely unmarked. 

To further smooth transition, I would first outline, then shade; or, if a lighter portion was required, I would faintly lay in lines with a dying sharpie. This fading sharpie was referred to as my "...medium tone". For even lighter areas that were not the paper itself, I used a working marker to draw lines, then applied water with a brush to the area. Depending on the spot, the amount of water used was varied. Similarly, the amount of lines varied, as well as the time I let the paper absorb the water. Sometimes, I let a place completely dry. Following a layer of water, I used my fingers to rub away at the paper. For more intense rubbing or removal of dark mark making, I used an eraser.

In some instances, the rubbing became too intense, and left holes in the paper. Like the absence of parts of my face though, I compare those holes to "...an addition to a piece that is missing". 

Further, "There is something about the light along with the holes that's engaging. The ironic part is the holes placed near my eye, mouth, and nose naturally occurred through the process of rubbing. It's striking. It adheres to a natural quality much like the natural light spreading in, across my face; and, I think that further emphasizes the longing given that's seen in my face, expression."