Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Self Portrait - A Tale Of Two Halves

 
Many of you know that I have struggled with atypical facial neuralgia (facial nerve pain) over the past two years. Since it's been a big part of my life it has found its way into my artwork and I've starting working on a number of portrait paintings.
 
 
The bronze brown background represents the dull edge that this illness brought to my life for it affects every part of it, the red part of the face symbolizes pain and the distortion is a reflection of how my face often feels even though it appears normal. The texture signifies normal everyday bumps in the road while the gold side of the face characterizes what others see.
 
 
A Tale Of Two Halves
8"x10"x1.5" Mixed Media Art Painting
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11 comments:

  1. Kim StevensMarch 5, 2013 at 2:46 PM

    Wow Kathryn, this has so much depth and thought and I'm just struck by it. I think this could represent so many in the trials they face whether by physical or emotional pain . . . I find myself just staring at this!

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  2. BrendaMarch 5, 2013 at 3:45 PM

    What a significant step in your artistic explorations - by expressing the impact this illness has had on your life. And this creation is breathtaking in its beautiful sadness and pain.

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    1. Kathryn DycheMarch 5, 2013 at 4:17 PM

      Thanks Brenda, I questioned whether I should create pieces like this but its a part of who I am . . . the good and the bad.

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  3. lisaMarch 5, 2013 at 5:08 PM

    I think creating pieces like this are an awesome way to express your creativity as well as your emotional health. I found your though process very moving and think this is an exceptional piece of work!

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    1. Kathryn DycheMarch 5, 2013 at 5:31 PM

      Thanks Lisa,it felt like something I had to portray. They often say art heals, I feel like I might be on that journey.

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  4. mrs mediocrityMarch 5, 2013 at 10:07 PM

    This is so powerful, and and heartwrenching....I can see your pain in this piece. And I am sorry that you have to go through that, but glad that you have found a way to express it through your art. xoxo

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  5. 4 Lettre WordsMarch 6, 2013 at 6:39 AM

    Wow...so powerful. My aunt suffered from that and I know how difficult it can be to just get through the days. Praying that you find the relief you're looking for.

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    1. Kathryn DycheMarch 6, 2013 at 7:07 AM

      Thanks Dina, so sorry to hear your aunt suffered from it too, I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Thankfully I found some medication to take the edge off but the pressure with the storms we keep having and the cold dryness seem to make it flare up. Looking forward to spring.

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  6. SethMarch 6, 2013 at 11:17 AM

    This is a brilliant piece of work - so powerful and moving...especially knowing the story behind it. How incredible that we have art to be able to reflect back on our lives!

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  7. ArtPropelledMarch 15, 2013 at 2:29 AM

    Art is such a powerful form of expression when it comes from personal experience .... and from the heart. This piece is almost too painful to contemplate because it conveys what it is you go through. I hope you manage to control the pain and continue making amazing art.

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  8. Lisa AhnMarch 17, 2013 at 8:39 PM

    Kathryn, these images are so eloquent. Wow!

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