One’s existence encompasses a series of experiences, built up knowledge and encounters they take part in throughout their life time. The more one accomplishes, the more character is built, making this person a walking collection of impressions and wisdom.

In the Parts of a Whole Series, portraits have been built, comprised of miniature compositions. When viewed up close, each miniature square or circle has its own personality, balance and story to tell. Some are very intricate, illustrating details, while others may have only a few major elements to convey its tale. These small illustrations depict aspects of the subject’s life, some being major, well-rounded and formed with precision, while others may not be completely focused or are not of major significance. These small compositions symbolize experiences that shape this person’s being. Some of these smaller images are, in fact, nothing at all; completely blank. These signify parts of life that are unknown and yet to be revealed due to lack of familiarity or experience. When viewed from afar, the tiny pictures make a larger one, one of a portrait. With this arrangement, one can see that larger compositions are built up by smaller ones. The smaller ones may tell their own story but they work together to tell a larger one, one of existence that could not be without them.

The smaller compositions have been illustrated with water soluble ink on paper. The paper has been divided into tiles or plates and mounted on a vibrant colored background. The black and white illustrations juxtapose the color, giving a subtle yet intense contrast. The tiles are mounted loosely, giving the appearance of shingles flickering in the wind. This offers the feeling of these smaller entities having the potential of being affected by other influences and energies they may encounter. They are organically mounted to show imperfection in human nature. After all, no one is perfect.