2D Design Project: Final Project: Self Portrait

As with pretty much any art or design class, there is always going to be a self portrait that you will have to do. I did these for my B & W Photography class (when Photography was my major) in the Fall of 2006:

(I apologize for the quality, it's a picture of a picture)

Well, one thing, I can definitely take pictures better than I can draw people. So, just a little disclaimer....no laughing bc it looks like a cartoon drawing that should be in a children's book.

(this is an overview of the whole painting)

(this is the top half. In her hair are the words:

 "Go on keep misusing and abusing me")

(the bottom half. Her hair reads: 

"i'll only be stronger in the end")

Explanation of Design: There is a part of my life that had a huge impact on me, in a good way and in a bad way. During my high school years and for a few after, I was in an abusive relationship. The whole situation took me to my lowest of lows. But, climbing out of that hole, made me feel stronger than ever. And I feel that instead of being ashamed of that part of my life, I'm kind of proud of it. Not of the fact that I got beaten by someone who said they loved  me, but because I was able and fortunate enough to get out. And go on with my life. Most women, when in that situation, don't ever leave. And, on the outside, it's easy to sit there and say, "Just Leave!". But, I know, that that move is one of the hardest steps for a woman to ever have to take. It got to a point where I was pushed up against a wall, nearly missing a fall down the stairs, and looking down to the bottom to realize that this man could kill me. And so, I left. And, that brings us to my painting...The girl in the upper corner signifies a girl who is being abused. She is hushed (no mouth) and has a bruise under her eye. She is blue, because she is sad and depressed, but yet she knows that one day she will get out. Hence, the words, "Go on, keep misusing and abusing me...". The girl at the bottom left, is a free woman. She is strong and has color back in her life. But, she still remembers, and often looks back on those times and is thankful she was strong enough and got out. The words: "I'll only be stronger in the end.", bc luckily, for my situation, that was the outcome.

-jl