Create your self-portrait

ChildArt, April-June, 2004 by John O'Hanlon

A self-portrait is often done in the form of a painting, drawing, or sculpture that has some resemblance to the artist. Or you can do as Wilson, and use 'found' objects to create a self-portrait. Instead of showing how he looks to others, his self-portraits reflect his hopes, fears, thoughts and future ambitions.

Try This!

1. Find many different objects from the classroom or your home that reflect your personality. Look for things you like, or things that reflect your feelings and goals. Try not to find objects that look like you. These can be objects such as pieces of cloth, empty bottles, old keys, cutouts from magazines, etc.

2. Get an old shoebox, and turn it on its side so that the long side sits on the floor or table, with the opening facing you.

3. Arrange your objects in the shoebox. As you do this, try imagining that they are relating to, or talking with, each other.

This may tell others something about you. Does it make a difference if some objects are larger than other objects? What if the objects are closer together or further apart?

Do you like explaining your project to others, or should they just see what they want in it?