Annabel Mednick: Under the skin first phase

Under the skin project

An examination into the process of portrait drawing to discover the person within

As a figurative artist I am interested in how face, body and identity are discovered, represented and perceived in portraiture, and how this relates to our intimate feelings about beauty and ageing, both of ourselves and of others.

In March I participated in a workshop with Birmingham University
http://philosophybirmingham.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/changing-understandings-of-body-image.html#more

In February I tried it again and was much more pleased with the .results

January 2015

As a figurative artist I am interested in how face, body and identity are discovered, represented and perceived in portraiture, and how this relates to our intimate feelings about beauty and ageing, both of ourselves and of others.
The demonstration was divided into two parts, the self portrait and ..the portrait. The audience participation was a vital part as they explored their perceptions of what we expect from a drawing.

In the first part of this performance/demonstration I used a mirror to produce a self-portrait. I tried to discover whether I am representing the external or internal self. Using charcoal I altered, smeared, and developed the portrait. As I reflected on my own image, the audience were engaged as I asked for their opinions and directions.

In the second part I made a portrait of a sitter, Again talking to and consulting the audience, and the sitter, I sketched, changed and rubbed the work as I explored what was a true, or a sympathetic, or a flattering image.

I am the artist. I can judge - is she young enough, pretty enough, good enough....

Well that was the plan.... I didn't push it as far as I might have.
The first half was OK, but in the second part I found I too was constrained by society, I just couldn't say things that could be upsetting or very confrontational... I wanted to please, be a 'nice lady.