Anyone who retrieved a copy of the recent "Best of C-VILLE" issue knows that, artistically speaking, this year’s edition went completely to the dogs. (Don’t worry, we involved canines raised in art-savvy households.) Rather than passing out pooches last Friday at the Best of C-VILLE party (yes, we were the ones playing Blondie in the Water Street parking garage), we opted for something a little more art-centric. We rolled out a photo booth, and asked local portrait artist Eliza Evans to drop by and paint party-goers.
Evans frequently works on the Downtown Mall, and exhibited her work most recently at the Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar; you’ve likely spotted her 5" by 7" portraits of locals, friends and visitors. And while I’ve passed her countless times on the Mall, I decided I’d finally sit for a portrait. Here’s what my experience was like:
I’ve never sat for a portrait before, and found myself trying to diagnose and restrain things like facial tics and the width of my smile—every bit as difficult as keeping a dozen dogs on leashes. I asked Evans if I should stop talking, and she responded that "Talking is good." I tried to maintain attentive eye contact, which felt oddly intimate when removed from conversation. My eyes would try to win hers back as they strayed to take in details—my chin, an eyebrow. Then, mine would stray from hers as she began to work on my eyes. I felt inclined to speak nearly the entire time, but kept fairly silent. The process lasted roughly 20 minutes.
Given Evans’ inexpensive prices and the nature of her project, she’s in an interesting spot to guide many folks through what may be their first time being painted. (Hey, we don’t all model nude in college.) I can only imagine that she’s had a range of experiences with subjects, and I imagine that a few might find it more disconcerting than pleasant, but I enjoyed the process. Thanks, Eliza!
My question for you: What local artist(s) would you ask to portray you? Painters, photographers, ceramicists—subject’s choice.