Self-Portrait

“Self-Portrait” is a rendition of a photograph from the early 1900’s.  This type of draft horse pulled heavy loads during the infancy of our country.  A poster of this photograph was displayed in me and my husband's veterinary clinic until it was damaged during a remodel.  I decided to paint the photo as a gift for him.  During the process, it became much more than a project.  It evolved into a statement about my struggles in life as a wife and mother, however I feel like anyone can take ownership of the weight. It is a visual reminder of what you may have overcome. A shift in ownership occurs as each viewer recognizes the burden. My husband and I were able to reclaim a round pen that was built in the 1950’s. This material was used in the construction of the frame which surrounds the original piece. A symbolic representation of its original purpose. Its imperfections are a reflection of the circumstances that surround us all.