we all have "skin"/layers that form who we are. there are times when we closely wrap ourselves in these "skins" as a way to define, protect, entice, exhibit, etc., all aspects of who we are.
in this self portrait i show myself (in the main figure) totally naked...without my self protective layer...yet, there is still some hidden aspect as i am looking at the world (and the world is seeing me) through binoculars.....i can hid (behind them) and yet i can magnify what is "out there" in order to see more clearly.
the figure to the right is me, as i "shed my skin"....ready to be open to life's possibilities....yet, still slightly cautious.....hence the "sunglasses".
the figure to the left is me as i appear to myself , not closed, no need to hid, no "skin" to shed....open to all the myriad possibilities the world has in store for me.
i am sitting in my hand.....i control my life, my fate, my destiny......and even, i suppose.....how many layers i have/or need to have.

on exhibition at:

artdc gallery
5710 baltimore avenue
hyattsville, maryland 20781
12 december-4 january 2010

Touchstone Gallery
406 7th St, NW
Washington, DC
7 Jan - & Feb 9 2009

comments made:

This piece must have been braver for you than the other one. In the other portraits even the nudes (which is a brave move for any artist) are positioned more coyly and running away from the composition. These are much more confrontational...all three figures are "full frontal" and less guarded than the other one. How do you feel letting your guard down a little more? Is it scary? Freeing? Enlightening?

I love this!

You got it going on, Jennifer.

love the quirky matter and coloring on all of these. well done!

fantastic piece.

Woooooooooooooooow!!!

An outstanding piece, love the serpent hands.

Another great one, Jennifer! This one is very very inspiring to me. I find it hopeful.

So cool Jennifer! ;-)

I've come back to look at this; I think its my favourite, beautiful tribal, modern-primitive feel. Excellent!

Elements of Aquaman, Star Wars, and some whimsy added for good measure. All around cool piece.

Wow!!! Prismatic!!!

intense!

Wow. Jennifer this is an art therapists dream. ; ) I love how expressive your work is. It is bold, primal and wonderful.

Highest Art...

fabulous Jennifer

Great , well done !

un cuadro magnifico jenifer, espero que todo vaya mejorando

I love the symbolic aspect of your art.

wonderful self portrait !!..courageous...powerful n potent !!..well done !!..