Headless Self-Portraitist, 2004, 15 by 12 inches, Oil on Canvas

This oil painting was originally conceived as it appears here,as a headless self-portrait. There is a mirror set up and you can see the reflection of me (back and shirt) as it would appear. I am just about to begin painting. The blank canvas is an opportunity to create my likeness/identity as I see fit. I had considered painting a real self portrait on the blank canvas, but have continued to leave it blank. Of note is the open art case on the table. This really is my art supply case. It was recovered from a trash can somewhere in Norristown, PA, by my late grandfather. The case was found with a woman's name and address printed underneath the lid. The name is somewhat illegible in this painting, but it reads "Anne Porter".

The real setting for this painting is actually in my In-Laws' basement. The table is one of several dining room tables they have "collected" over the years in storage. The mirror was also found down in the basement. The "base" the mirror is standing on is actually a large box made out of HVAC duct, the purpose of which I haven't the foggiest. This image was painted over spring-break of 2004 in a few sittings.