Elizabeth Johnston

The work I am showing at Art x 9 is the first attempt at a self-portrait where I am confronting my identity; it is an exploration in what constitutes a Quebec/Canadian citizen. While conceiving and painting this piece, I quickly realized the convoluted path I was to
follow in my attempts in understanding my own identity let alone in trying to communicate it to others. Social, familial and gender issues
all come into play in layers, covering, uncovering, yet always
affecting the other. At first, I was interested only in the
bi-culturalism aspect of my heritage, but the more I worked at the
painting, the more I became aware that one's identity is the sum of
many things that can reach beyond the culture of one's parents.

    I have been painting and drawing horses for many years and now and
then, they may play a minor role for a while. You can see them in the
self-portrait I am showing at Art x 9 —small, but there. Horses will
always be an important part of my identity.
         If anyone would like me to create an identity piece for them, or a
more traditional portrait, I would gladly accept the commission.
        Also, please let me know if you would like to be on my mailing list
regarding new works, or if you are interested in attending my
workshops and lessons re painting and drawing.

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Contact the artist via her website. Click on the horse above to be taken there.