In looking at a number of artists’ self portraits, I was struck by the idea of doing a self-portrait of myself. In writing. In two minutes. I set a timer and started to write. Below is what came out.

I love the idea of taking pillars of visual arts like self portraits and experimenting with translating them into writing. If you’ve done something like this yourself, send me a note in the comments and we can compare.

Here’s my two minute self portrait:

I am hopeful. I believe life can be beautiful and people are good. I want to be more and better and more again. I want to do so many things that I get tangled up in what to do first or next, in a day. Remember how I would have a conflict about what to read on the subway on the way to work and I would stress to the point that I couldn't decide? So much to read, so much to learn. I can never do it all. I come across as confident but inside I am usually disappointed in myself. I think it is important to squeeze the most out of life, and I always wish I had done more and been more successful. But then I remember I have time and the time is now! I can start now in being the incredibly talented and prolific person I want to be. I want to write and make … [time’s up] 

That’s as far as I got.

* Cover Image: Sarah Cain “Self Portrait,” 2020. Acrylic, gouache, latex, prism beads, and plastic thread on canvas. Collection of the National Gallery of Art, purchased as the gift of Sharon Percy Rockefeller and Senator John Davison Rockefeller IV.