(Untitled) self portrait, 2022

Charcoal on paper

18 x 24 in

In this piece I explored the expressive depth of the charcoal medium through shading, negative space, and contrasting light and dark tones. Before finalizing this piece, I experimented with several other mediums—pen, china pencil, and water-soluble pencil—but ultimately chose charcoal for its ability to create rich textures and dramatic contrasts.

The final work emphasizes the interplay between shadow and light, using the softness of the charcoal to evoke both boldness and intimacy, pushing me to examine my own features while allowing the medium to guide the emotional tone of the piece.