Sumi Ink Portrait

Exhibition: Portraits In Light

Artist: Petra Malla Miller

Overview

Petra Mala Miller’s portraits express how we as individuals are simultaneously similar and unique.  By asking ourselves, How are we alike? How are we different?  We have an opportunity to self-reflect, explore identity and discover how people view themselves in the world.  This project is an invitation for participants to create a self-portrait; become their own subject and ask themselves “How does it feel to be me?”

Objectives

• Explore ways to connect with and express their inner selves

• Develop observational drawing skills

Materials

Sumi ink

Watercolour or textured Bristol paper 11 x 15 inches or larger

Bamboo/sumi brush

Hand mirrors

Instructions:

Step One

Have participants spend time looking in the mirrors and studying their faces.  What shapes do they see? After a few minutes of self-reflection think of how you will draw yourself today.  How does the way you feel about yourself translate through your facial expression and your mark making.  Encourage feelings and ideas to emerge.  

Step Two

If participants have never used ink before, they can use a scrap piece of paper first to get a feel for the brush and ink.

Working intuitively and loosely, start drawing your self-portrait on the 11 x 15 paper using a bamboo brush dipped in ink. 

Note: Sumi ink can stain clothing so have participants wear old clothing or aprons

Variations

You may choose to keep your image as a high-contrast ink portrait or try a variation by adding colour. Ink must be completely dry before adding colour. 

Try working on larger size paper such as 18 x 24 inches, the portraits will be more expressive as the brush strokes tend to be looser in order to fill the paper.