An Artist's Assessment

 We roll up into the Winter Term here at GCE and in the Math and Science course "Systems & Models" a new Action Project has dawned upon us students. We were to create a self-portrait of sorts that represents us, and create an identity which also aligns with the assessment of our personalities according to several tests, including Myers Briggs, Enneagram, DISC, and a few others. The first Unit had a heavy focus on understanding what makes us tick. How we work, and why we work like that, or at the very least, what to expect from those of us who cat like that. There were different levels that scaled just how much we can associate with these strong personality types, whether we associate with 2 at once or just a single type completely overshadowing all other traits. I was definitely proud of the statement I was able to pull from my self-portrait as I drew first and then assumed how it correlates. I didn't want an unnatural flow of my creativity, which is why I actually don't emphasize any particular traits or personality types. I wanted to keep it generalized initially, making sure that I wasn't stressing over conveying a specific message when talking about me, since I never did like focusing on myself. There were certain challenges in finding how to show every point, such as how my drawing relates in a big picture to my test results, but I was able to overcome some challenges by looking beyond the lines, and entering my own psyche to determine the exact message this neutral image is conveying. Just below you can find the artist's statement as well as my hand drawn image, and I hope you actually find yourself encouraged to find out more about yourself.

VG "V" 2017, Chicago

"V"

No. 2/HB Pencil(s) and standard ball point pen

Sketching paper 11.5" x 8.5"

I slowly veer off to my right, with subtle signs of interest. I don't show to much emotion because I wouldn't want to find myself in a situation that would grow into a struggle or conflict. Yet simultaneously, if I can be of use by assisting others then I will search for said opportunity. This piece is very practical and literal, but with hints of fictional elements, as while I'm down to earth, I must imagine scenarios around me in a sense that intrigues me, and anything that can make me thing is something I enjoy, thus revolving around a perpetual lust for satisfaction. The empty background follows my many concerns for my own safety, or rather my reluctancy to ever leave familiar zones that I know I at least feel safe in. There's a specific lack of exaggeration in my expression to (ironically) express my fondness for my neutral relations with many, as I find myself to be lacking in bias whilst also maintaining a great sense of personal justice and equality. When I drew myself looking into 2 mirrors, I wanted to draw attention to everything and nothing, hence my simpler art style with clean, open negative spaces, but the inclusion of shading draws the eyes around the image

Click to enlarge

These notes directly correlate with the rather accurate personality assessment tests. One of them being the Enneagram Test, (The Enneagram Institute, accessed Jan, 2017) which assesses your personality type based on numbers 1-9, with each number representing drastically different kinds of people, yet sharing slight characteristics which act as wings to the personality. In this case, my results ended up being a major 9 with a 2 just barely underneath. I personally strong associate with personality type 2 as it's main descriptions are to have sense of value with your own life by being helpful and caring, and with some though, 9 is also an excellent fit, as it's to be patient and calm. To be peace with one's self to survive. The full list of results is honestly something I can say I identify with, after understanding what each type is in its simplest of forms. Reflected in my art with a calm look that has peaked interest over to the side.

Now the TKI (Thomas-Kilmann Instrument) test I also have somewhat of a agreement with. As I stated early, despite the fact I was merely drawing based off of impulsive instinct alone, I managed to create a piece that represents me well, not focused on what's in front, but also not in, or doing any, major action. It show's off my observant nature, but the raised eye brow also displays some slight concern, which easily relates to how I have a strong desire to help others when they need assistance, and that's why my eyes quirk in that direction with such interest.

The process of creating the image was honestly just to draw from the heart. I made what I saw fit as comfortably as possible, and that's why this image resonates with me so much. It's how I see myself during a specific action that I do the most, observe my surroundings.

My set up had 2 small mirrors near each other at such an angle in which I was able to actually see myself looking at the one mirror with would give me the unique angle and eye focus. I felt that it was critical to make this realistic in my own sense, which is why I used a pen outline but utilized pencil shading, since it gives off a smoother feel for the already bright room that I was drawing in, effectively replicating the lighting that was present in that room at the time. It was bringing reality into my world of illustrations and that is why I decided to draw from life rather than a captured image of myself. As my good friend, "double A", put it, "when you're making yourself, you're not drawing what other people think they see, you're drawing what you want to see", and that definitely influenced my decision on sticking to my anime-esque art style, with the cartoonish eyes and such.

A face that doesn't speak out many stories but clearly takes several in. That it my self-portrait.