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STATEMENT

Why a self-portrait? Why not?

I would run out of fingers and toes counting the times I have been asked the question. Depending on degree of irritation I give the standard: I'm here, I'm available when I paint, to the above why not?

It is a standard category, like landscapes, still lives--whatever, which I've also done. If I do use a self-portrait image more than other subjects what is the problem other people have in accepting this? If I say (at slide lectures to the usual questions after) "would you ask Rembrandt why he did so many self-portraits?" I am not being egomaniacal, just factual.

If there are psychological reasons I do not wish to know what they are. My only concern is--is it a good strong painting--and that has nothing to do with subject.

-- Marcia Marcus