Self Portrait as Armadillo

My current work is a continuing practice, exploring the concepts of identity and self perception through portraiture. The armadillo as a subject becomes a reference point for this self portrait, as I investigate the differences and similarities between myself and the armadillo.

After observing a group of armadillos at my previous studio, I witnessed a most peculiar thing -They all stood up on their hind legs, perfectly upright, sniffing into the air. They resembled a man in a robe. Like Joseph with his coat of many colors, a stylized treatment of the armadillo shell becomes an elegant robe covered with jewels. Although well armored, the armadillo is still vulnerable and that translates well to a human characteristic. This invented character has suffered many trials and has the physical battle scars to prove it.

While this serious study of a man and an armadillo looks intently at the beauty and the grotesque nature of each source, the absurdity of such a study reveals the humorous nature of the artist behind the work.

My submission to the Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition.

STYROFOAM, STUCCO, ACRYLIC LATEX, FIBERGLASS SCULPTURE. 84” X 48” X 64”

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