Juarez Hawkins

Janine
monoprint
21 x 14 in.

I started creating self-portraits to hone my life-drawing skills conveniently and inexpensively. Over the years, they have become a veritable journal of a maturing artist, mapping evolution in style, media, and even fashion. Moreover, my work is one of the few places where I can see a middle-aged, dark-skinned, near-sighted, nappy-haired (and otherwise invisible) black woman, clothed (and) in all her complexity.

Lately, the images are taking on personalities of their own. Each woman may draw upon some facet of my being, but she eventually evolves into her own persona, into a distinct character in her own right. I’m curious abut the stories they have to tell.

© Juarez Hawkins