It is a common belief that every artist is always portraying some aspect of self in their work. Have you ever heard that Mona Lisa is a self portrait of Da Vinci?
I have asked myself what is it I like so much about foxes. Their color, yes. Their grace and movement, yes. The particular shape of the face, eye markings and ears, yes. And what about their personality that has been developed as cunning, clever, overconfident, trickster, and curious?
I may say that an artist needs at least some of these qualities. The pursuit of art might be like that of a fox after prey. It can be illusive, it needs tracking and clever perseverance, curiosity is a major plus, and there is trickery afoot. Art making can place one in the forest and it takes some figuring to find the way out.
I wouldn't mind being either of the foxes in my print. There are two of them, and they represent different characters. One is always asking questions, ready to be reasonable, and wants to please. The other thinks it can solve anything, maybe is too concerned about success and his status, and can push a problem too far. In the end of the fable the two foxes come to a resolution of agreement and peace with identities that are different and unique.
I feel that I am both foxes, and yes, the print is a self portrait. Choosing a story is one way of asking what matters, and what I want to commit my time and energy to make. As the drawings and prints progress I come to know more about those characters, and my self. Every art work is a dialogue between the artist and self, and then the viewer. What do you see in the fox?
