this is a series of self-portraits i worked on a few months ago. i watched a series of documentaries about great painters through the ages. i've always studied art history, but i've never been one to delve too far into someone's personal life. i focused primarily on their work based upon a quote i often think about from the philosopher nietzsche, "i am one thing; my work is another." we don't have to respect or even like a person to appreciate said person's work. they are different things.

this documentary about van gogh has a lot of quotes by vincent from letters he wrote to his brother. each of these photos is named one of the quotes. this was a fun series to work on. creating the atmosphere and making "dirt" was interesting and intrigued me. taking on the role of actor also interested me. i am pleased with the outcome, and i hope yous guys enjoy them as much as i did taking and working on them.

"it’s me, but it’s me gone mad." -Van Gogh

"i pick up dirt from the floor and eat it." -Van Gogh

"a place where one can destroy oneself, go mad or commit a crime." -Van Gogh

"i’m trying to recover, like someone trying to commit suicide but makes for the bank because he finds the water too cold." -Van Gogh