The Black Dog Painting

I have suffered with treatment resistant depression for the past 12 years. In Australia depression is often referred to as 'The Black Dog' - always lurking behind you, not quite visible, but providing a prevailing feeling of constantly being watched. I wanted to express this feeling of the black dog's presence in the background of a self-portrait. I have found art to be immensely therapeutic for my battle with depression. It provides me with an escape from the day to day feelings I encounter from the depression and allows me to focus on something positive. I hope my viewers will recognise the black dog and accept that it exists in some degree for everyone and that it doesn't represent them in totality. The self-portrait is simplified yet detailed. I have chosen pyrography as the medium as it produces a unique result. The burning etches the portrait into the timber creating a strong impression, and depending upon the position of the viewer it offers different experiences. It forces the audience to determine their own viewpoint to interpret the artwork. Like life, it is not until the audience takes a step back from the art that they can determine what the burning is all about, and therefore see the bigger picture more clearly.