ArtTour International Magazine
- Johanna Wray
Ihave been interested in drawing and painting figures and portraits since my teenage years. In high school, I used mainly watercolor wash with ink, and the art students would model for each other. Later on, I made watercolor paintings of my children at play and then my grandchildren.
Currently, I am working in oil paints, creating my “SelfiePortrait” Series. My models consist mostly of my art students or family members. I am fascinated by the new phenomenon of the models taking their pictures. The creativity of these Instagram photographers has resulted in a whole new genre in art. I am excited by the square format and the variety of compositions from posts on this new social media platform. Young ladies expose themselves in various scenarios, often in places where, previously, most people wouldn’t think of taking pictures, such as the bathroom or the bedroom; very private spaces. We are gaining some intimate knowledge of the person behind the camera. And exposing the vulnerability of our youth.
Our society is evolving towards self-centeredness, which leads to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Anxiety and depression are all too common in today’s young people. When asked if they ever got depressed, the older woman said,” We never had time to think about how WE were feeling. We were too busy!”
In “Spotlight,” I am speaking to the ‘negative’ voices within many women. “I’m too fat.” “I’m too thin.” “I’m too short.” “I’m too tall.” “I’m too black.” “I’m too white.” Those little voices we hear when we look in the mirror. The thoughts that make us feel small and insignificant. Let’s change our voices to “I’m just perfect the way I am . . . and ready to seize the day”!
www.art4u.info