“My Self Portrait” is a 30 x 22.5” piece made of ink and acrylic. The concept behind this gruesome self-image is to expose the uncomfortable topic of mental disorders. I made it extremely large with the intention to almost “force” the viewer to see the image, and feel some type of intense emotion about it. Mental disorders are so common, but their topic is often avoided due to the discomfort of opening up, being vulnerable, and having to discuss unpleasant aspects of the self. The motive of this painting was to expose myself in a very dark perspective, and to let viewers see that I am not afraid of these thoughts, and maybe, they should not be afraid either.