My self-portrait titled "rise amongst" the stars explores the idea of self-growth and coming to terms with your identity as a person.create my art piece, I utilized a variety of materials such as Prisma colour pencils, glitter, white gel pens and newspaper clippings. Throughout this assignment, I wanted to explore and experiment with a variety of different materials and techniques and challenge myself as an artist. My entire life I've been fascinated by space, doubling as one of my greatest interests along with being one of my greatest fears. Creating my self-portrait allowed me to express myself in ways i sometimes am not able to.

I wanted to communicate a sense of growth and acceptance. My entire life I've always struggled with accepting myself, i always felt insecure and uncertain about who I was and where my life was heading. I often felt like i was trapped within myself, not being able to express my thoughts and feelings as i wanted to. Many days i would think to myself "if only i could go back in time and change this, or maybe if I could have done this differently, or if only i had this i would be happier" I always felt that if i was given a fresh start, a new chance, i could finally be happy and not be held down by own self. I lived my life swallowed by the feeling of longing and regret, and even if it was hard to admit, my overall my mindset towards life was very negative.

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This was until i heard a speech that would change myife forever, and begin my journey of self love and acceptance. In September of 2018 my favourite band BTS was given the opportunity to speak at the UN general assembly. As a fan of a band that had always preached the idea of loving youself, i found myself having a hard time acting on their messages, even if i wanted to. I remember having listened to the speexh for the fkrst time, and having a quote stand out to me "These faults and mistakes are who i am, making up the brightest stars in the constellations of my life. I love myself for who i was, who i am, and who i hope to become" listening to those words i felt like i saw a whole new perspecgive. The faults and mistakes that i let control and limit my life were no longer something that i wish i could delete. They were the stars and constellation of my life. They were my guiding and growth points, they adorned the sky that was my life, filling up the empty spaces of the unknown and instead acting as landmarks in the journet of myself. My goal while creating this peice was to be able to communicate a message through my art utalizing symbolism. I wanted to create something thag may display something at first glance but with more thought and depth it will be able to tell a deeper more conplex message. 

 

Overall i am satisfied with my final result. It was a challenge to be able to come up and communicate a deeper message through my artwork. And even if throughout the process of creating this peice i often found myself unhappy with my drawing or wishing i could restart, i persavered and eventually created an artpiece i was proud off. Making the message feel even more significant to me. I hope to be able to apply all the new found techniques and knowledges i learnt this unit and be able to apply them to artwork in the future