This self portrait was done in pencil. I find graphite to be an art medium that doesn't get enough respect. I think there is something beautiful about pencil work, and I can spend more time on details rather than worry about color. When I'm drawing, even though I am doing something two dimensional, it feels as if I'm doing something three dimensional, as if I'm molding clay. The paper is the clay, and my pencil is the carving tool. The blank paper is just waiting to come to life. I have been through a lot in the past couple years, and this portrait captures me on the other side of that.. when things are much better, however, when I see myself in photographs, I'm still waiting for the smile to reach my eyes again. :)