Self-portraits are like therapy; at times, they are awkward or painful, and lots of thoughts and emotions that you didn't know you had locked away come out, and hopefully by the end of the process you learn something about yourself. Art materials are just as expensive, too.

40 hours of staring deep into myself for this one, and still, large parts of my brain are a big mystery.

I wanted the dark patterned area to depict this idea that there is still much more to discover about oneself.

This small portrait illustrates the contrast between thought and feeling, housed within our physical body. The illustrative background represents our logical thinking mind, and the colourful swirling abstract paint symbolises the deep, indescribable emotional side of ourselves.

Exploring similar themes to the work above, this paper collage reflects on the relationship between our inner world within and the spaces around us.

This small portrait piece will be on show in Notting Hill this weekend at Open Art Spaces’ ‘Colour Show’, details are below.

Open now and this weekend:

Open Art Spaces: Colour Show

The Tabernacle, 34 - 35 Powis Sq, London, W11 2AY