Uncle Dallas by Kirsten Kay Thoen

For a cold wintry day, I give you a sunny image by contender Kirsten Kay Thoen. Kirsten is interested in creating poetry and autobiographical fiction in her work. From her statement:

Since Thoen was raised in a family of adopted children, self-portraiture was an appropriate touchstone in her process of viewing and representing identity. These roots, as well as an intensive study of Dutch Art History in the Netherlands, have guided her approach, psychologically and formally, to her subjects. The delicate balancing between what is included and excluded crafts her images into lyrical moments that at times appear to be as intimate as they are elusive. Thoen's fascination with the poetry of everyday encourages the viewer to discover myths and icons in the ordinary.

While I too feel self-portraiture is an "appropriate touchstone" in handling the monumental topic of identity, I also think it is an unavoidable one, one that we all must reach in some form, for some duration of time however small it may be. I also think there's quite a difference in the everyday and the ordinary.

Enough from me for today. Now for you, enter while it's on your mind.