Haven Mindnich Artist Reception • December 15th

An Exploration of Self is a series created to illustrate my struggles with mental health and to capture my internal growth into becoming a healthier and happier person. This series consists of ten self-portraits, each conveying a distinct emotion and gradually progressing toward a better state.

The inspiration for this work stems from my extended history of self-hatred and mental health challenges. These negative thoughts often serve as motivation for my art, even when the pieces aren’t directly about me. What sets this series apart is the acknowledgment of mental growth. The goal is to personify and express my feelings, ultimately depicting a better mental state as the series progresses, concluding with a version of myself who loves, accepts, and understands her identity. Each emotion is conveyed through facial expressions, shading techniques, and floating hands interacting with the portraits. In some pieces, the shading and background appear tonally heavy or dark, representing the burdensome nature of these feelings. The floating hands symbolize the internal thoughts and opinions I hold, influencing how they interact with me. More aggressive grasps demonstrate hateful feelings, while kinder, softer interactions reflect a shift into a gentler and compassionate headspace.