Hiding and Revealing

"It's What You Reveal" Oil on Canvas ©Tabetha Hastings

I was interviewed today by a student who is writing a paper for her art appreciation class. She chose my self-portrait "It's What You Reveal" for her example of "what is art".  It was really interesting to hear what effect my paintings had on her and her classmates.

You put your art out into the world, and its no longer yours. Everyone has their thoughts, ideas, and opinions about it, and about what you were trying to express. Sometimes it's spot on, and sometimes it's completely off base... but it's not really, because once it's out in the world, it's up to the viewer to decide what that piece of art means.

So... what is this woman hiding? A grin? A frown? Is she angry? Crazy? Trying to seduce you? Or perhaps she just wants everyone to go away and leave her alone. What is she hiding on a deeper level? What is she revealing to you? And what are you hiding and revealing?