Elements of Self

I’m working on a task from Juliana’s blog called Elements of Self, not just because it’s a great challenge, but because I am currently working on building up a portfolio of my art and photography that investigates and interprets my perceptions of myself, as a necessary part of applying to train as an Art Therapist.

Here’s the schedule for the project:

{I’m treating this page as a sorta notepad to remind myself what’s coming up}

Week One:  July 21 — Mask self-portrait. You can really play with this one.  Use leaves or flowers as a mask for a nature theme.  Use make-up and go overboard.  Use your hair.  Use your hands.  A mask cut from paper, decorated.  A mask from mud.  Partial  mask or full-on mask.

Week Two:  August 4 — Eyes self-portrait. We want to see your eyes.  Either of just the upper half of your face or your entire face.  It’s up to you.  But remember to focus on the eyes!

Week Three:  August 18 — Shadow self-portrait. Play with taking photographs of your shadow for this one.  This can be a shadow of any part of your body.  Just go outside when the sun is shining and play with taking photographs.  You’ll have fun.

Week Four:  September 1 — Favorite body part self-portrait. Need I say more?  I know most of us are too self-critical, but be kind to yourself with this one.  Show us what you love about yourself.

Week Five:  September 15 — Least favorite body part self-portrait. Yep.  That’s right.  Most of us have more than one, so choose one you feel most comfortable sharing with us.  The point of this, though, is to learn to love it through photographing it and really exploring it.  Usually, we dislike those aspects of ourselves that others have claimed as unusual or strange.  But these are often the most beautiful parts of us.

Week Six:  September 29 — Drawing or painting self-portrait. Okay, if you’re not an artist, please don’t be scared.  I draw stick people, okay?  Have fun with this one.  Sit down somewhere and draw for us the way you see yourself.  Play with colors and shapes.

Week Seven:  October 13 — I-just-got-out-of-bed self-portrait. You don’t have to show us your entire face if you’re uncomfortable with this idea.  Even a side angle or silhouette shot or shot of your hands holding a coffee mug would do!

Week Eight:  October 27 — Costume self-portrait.  It’s Halloween, so let’s dress up for this one!