Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Katharine Cartwright

The title is "My Vanity" representing both my personality flaw and the physical surface where I apply make-up. The viewer may see only my reflection in the mirror, which represents how I choose to view myself and not my real face. My reflection doesn't show the wrinkles, sags, and spots that have developed with time and advanced age. If you look closely, you'll see a fly on the mirror base. 18th Century paintings used the fly
as a symbol for death, which is my future.  Oil on panel.
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9 comments:

  1. Joy LoganMay 27, 2009 at 8:49 PM

    LOL how unique is this one? Love how we see ourselves versus the real world! You are stunning!!!

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  2. ManonMay 28, 2009 at 7:08 AM

    I just love this portrait!! The mirror, the reflection......wow....Katharine did an amazing job!

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  3. MMay 28, 2009 at 8:07 AM

    And I thought the mirror never lies, but obviously it does in this case. I can't imagine a more fitting vehicle for examining one's mortality. Much of the art I create explores this very issue but in a more veiled way. I read a quote somewhere that artists repaint themselves over and over not matter what they create. Everything is a self portrait - now there's an idea.

    I recently found this blog and it's intriguing to see how artists represent themselves but it also provides a fantastic way to find new artists to explore. Thanks Deborah.

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  4. UnknownMay 28, 2009 at 9:15 AM

    Thanks, all, for your generous comments. I've only painted myself twice (this is the second one) and don't know if I have much more I want to say. However, I agree that every painting - no matter what the subject - is a self-portrait; at least, psychologically. Deb, thanks for this blog! I'm fascinated by the work you've posted and the comments. This was a great idea!

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  5. Dan KentMay 28, 2009 at 8:03 PM

    Wow. Very well done, and eery now that I know what the fly represents. It makes me view your expression in the mirror in a new light. Beyond being a self-portrait, this painting is almost symbolic of all of our vanities and illusions since death is our shared future.

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  6. Mary Sheehan WinnJune 4, 2009 at 7:24 PM

    Wow!

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  7. L.HolmJune 13, 2009 at 9:03 AM

    Fascinating and beautiful portrait. Very intense!

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  8. LiYaNaJune 25, 2009 at 8:47 AM

    beautiful..!

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  9. SILVERJune 30, 2009 at 8:37 PM

    i think the work is really good. The write up even better. The fly. genius.

    ~Silver
    Reflections/
    One Day at a Time

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