The Face Blind Portrait Artist
I was born with two neurological quirks, prosopagnosia (face blindness) and aphantasia (no mind’s eye). I cannot visualize anything in my head. I have a lot of difficulty recognizing people, even famous people and people I know well. So why in the world would I become a portrait artist? Initially it was to help me understand the face better, but then something magical happened. I realized that I have the ability to capture something in portraits that many others may not. As it is hard for me to process appearance, in order to know someone, I rely on their energy, their soul, the essence of who they are. And this is what I express in my portraits. I capture their authenticity; that indescribable thing that makes them unique.
How I Work
Because of this neurological quirk, it is important that I am able to spend time with my subject. I will take photos, sketch, and get to know them. I will ask lots of questions and probably stare a lot (awkward!). This helps me to find what is imperceptible. Once I return to the studio, I will work from the photographs and sketches. I am continuously expanding the styles of my portraits. My current work is less traditional and I am moving toward more abstracted and expressive work . I am also moving beyond faces to include the body when appropriate. All of my work is analog, (painting, mixed media, and occasionally photography). I work on both paper and canvas.
Intrigued? Reach Out!
Are you interested in bearing your soul to me? I promise it will be worth your while. I find that my sitters learn new things about themselves through the process. Let’s learn more about you together and create a portrait that reflects who you truly are.
