I’m very happy to have this out in the world. I’ve been going at it for a week straight I’m finally at peace with this. I started it, like many pieces, months ago, and I just recently have been hit with a giant dose of “just do it” so I picked it up and got back to work. I don’t know what force has been kicking me in the ass to work with such focus. Perhaps its the quickening of 2012 or subliminal Nike ads. Perhaps something happens when you become an Uncle. All I know is that I’m thrilled with how things have been going recently.

This self portrait was made at a time when I was contemplating how I could put my powers of imagination to good use. We so often create destructive images of ourselves in our mind to the point where we can’t bear to see ourselves in the mirror at times. I wanted to create an image for myself that would inspire me when I saw it. Not something that would give me an inflated ego but a version of myself somewhere down the road at a place where I would like to be. In this case it is a place of balance and harmony between my outer and inner reality. To one day be truly awake.

I know that there is much to be done between now and this place that I’ve envisioned, but the Egyptians didn’t call it “The Great Work” for nothing. The effort that must be put forth is great but so are the rewards while walking along the path to true freedom. To me, this image is a reminder of that work that lies ahead.