Mona Lisa and Mad Hatters
Mona Lisa and Mad Hatters is an exploration of the relationship of personality to physicality and the elements of appearance that make one “interesting” to a portrait artist. Upon reflection, I noticed those to whom I was drawn could often be perceived as unusual and quirky. Each of the subjects of these pieces, some friends, some co-workers, some strangers whom I met for the first time at their sitting, self-identify as "oddballs". They are uncomfortable within tight-fitting norms of social acceptability and are happiest, most themselves, existing on the fringes of the mainstream. Each subject gazes directly at the viewer, disrupting any attempt at voyeurism and offering direct engagement with the viewer.
Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters: