Metaphoric Self Portrait Collage

This artwork is from a class project. The goal was to create a metaphoric self-portrait. We also had to use symbolism to tell about ourselves. 

Metaphoric Self-Portrait
Danica Papali

            I thought a lot about making a traditional collage but then decided to base the piece primarily on a painting style that I feel depicts me. The main theme is a struggle a between structure and divergence. I have chosen warm colored energetic and loose frenetic brushstrokes move about in many different directions as the background of my work it symbolize my disorganized and vibrant past. I wanted to show the layers of personality so I used thick brush strokes and color to indicate multiple layers. I have a tendency to move about in many different directions and get excited about many different ideas. Creative excitement can become very consuming and I often find that I am going in so many directions that I am unable to reach the place where I can have the freedom to fully enjoy creativity. The curve of the work the drastic turn in my artistic life when I realized I found my life calling. The cool blue section of the work shows the efforts I am making to move upward with a calm singular focus. My ideal is that will be able to use my talents and abilities to be an encouragement to others while doing what I love. When the painting was completed I digitized the art and worked on the collage in Adobe Illustrator. I used symbols that are major themes in my life; the Chinese flag indicates my love for travel as well as a major catalyst in life. The tropical fish and Spanish cross allude to my upbringing in South Florida. The paintbrush is a large part of my life. Hindi and Arabic characters, speak of my travels to India and marriage between East and West. The verse has been and continues to be a guiding force in my life as it leads my decisions it continues to bring me through adventures, love, and travels.