I was brave enough to run a workshop session as part of LGBT+ History Month - and I’m so glad I did it. Some lovely participants and insights into putting ourselves into the picture - some great reflections (no pun intended) on what it’s been like during lock down, what it’s like studying ones face so intently - and some lovely drawings created.

I started the session with a bit of an introduction:

Self Portraits are not just about recording what’s in front of you - even if you produce something you think is ‘rubbish’ - it’s not it has great value as a mindful exercise. In history women have persevered to challenge the ‘male gaze’ Which is all about power and objectified women - we are not decorative! In the history of art women didn’t have the same opportunity of study - not allowed in life classes. SO self portrait was a way to study the human form - model is always there - not necessarily always well behaved.

Women have taken self portraits - and used to create very powerful statements - rarely just about study.

I put together a small collection of examples and key women to start a conversation and contextualise the self portraits importance for queer women - I tried to be as inclusive as I could - and will possibly add to this board in the future.

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.co.uk/CreativeWithLine/queer-artists/

As part of my preparation I collected self portraits I’d made in the past - they make an interesting (to me at least) retrospective of my creativity - the earliest one being from the late 80s. There’s the portrait I made during the session and a few tips. The portrait I made using my image on the screen and a little awkward to draw on the easel so that everyone could see my progress - so considering those factors - I was quite pleased with it!