ST087 Joni Mitchell

Snow Treasure

Painting size: 16cm x 23cm

Framing size: 34cm x 43cm

This is a portrait of Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell.

However, the intention wasn't to capture Joni Mitchell herself. Rather, it was to use her as a catalyst to create ripples, or a certain kind of space, that spreads within the hearts of those who view the paintings.

Originally, Mitchell was interested in art and used self-portraits on her album covers. These were painted to capture Mitchell herself, and while emphasizing realism, they also reflect her inner self.

Now, if you look closely at this painting, you'll notice that the left and right halves of the face are completely different. The height of the eyes and eyebrows are different, and the skin color is also different.

The left half of the face shows someone who is very surprised by something they have seen, while the right half shows someone with strong determination, staring intently at us.

When we look at the painting, we are seeing two completely different faces at the same time, yet we don't feel any unnaturalness.

Then, two expressions intersect and spread within the heart, eventually becoming one. It all happens in the blink of an eye.

I feel as if the woman in this painting is staring at me, and I stare back.

What I'm seeing right now is what's inside me.