Self portrait

[Heidi Maiers]

Thanks so much Alexandra and Mischa.
Alexandra, I also find that the paintings you make that are not commissions, such as the one you did of your mother, are extraordinarily interesting. I think you have a point about having a certain creative freedom that comes along with doing your own thing.

Mischa, I like your titles, thanks for the thoughtful suggestions.These pieces aren't really a reflection of my moods, however, so think I have decided on a title along the lines of "Me and My Mask". The first shows who I really am, and the second shows the happy mask that I put on whenever I am in the presence of others.

[Claudemir Bonfim]

Hi Heidi,

Both of them are great. If I had to choose one... I'd certainly choose the second one, but as I said before, both are great!

[Carlos Ygoa]

Heidi,
I have always wondered why people (clients or others) are always reluctant to accept an expression on a face that is other than happy or smiling. Sad solemn or serious are always "taboo", like as if they were not part of the human reality. For me at least, the greatest portraits (in the truest sense of the word) in the history of art do not have smiles on them.

Bravo that you have made a piece because that is the way you wanted it to look! And the second one is fine as well. The technical level on both is, as usual, number one. Congratulations.

[Michele Rushworth]

I think they make a nice pair, to be displayed together. I once saw a painted double self portrait showing different aspects of an artist's personality and she titled it "The Real Me". The viewer was left to decide which one was the "real" one.

I also agree that these are possibly the most compelling of your sculptures I have seen to date. Very alive.

[Chris Saper]

Heidi,

They are both wonderful, (in addition to being stunning likenesses), and I love the idea of displaying them together. Doing so will certainly give your clients a feel for the narrative and mood possibilities. In fact, try to get EVERYONE to commission two

[Heidi Maiers]

Thank you for your comments Claudmir, Carlos, Michele, and Chris. Funny how most people will prefer a happy expression for their home, but as you point out Carlos, some of the most notable sculptures in history are anything but happy.
I think I've come to the point as a portrait artist, when I'm tired of "pleasant" on most every face. There are so many interesting and provocative emotions that can be displayed on a human face. My least favorite to see is a big grin with teeth on a sculpture. That really creeps me out in fact.
Chris, since you have seen me in person, I'll take that compliment - thanks! And that is an excellent marketing suggestion! Everyone has a range of expressions - why should anyone settle for being imortalized with just one?

[Alexandra Tyng]

Heidi, I think you should enter this in a competition.