Self-Portrait

This is Sam Francis’ Self-Portrait, made sometime around 1973, I’m guessing with some kind of printmaking process on paper. See how the background is almost like a mist? Then, BAM, this confident, dark line just *carves* out a face. The mouth has got this sassy little curve, and the eyes are like, “Yeah, I see you.” It’s so immediate, you know? Like he just went for it, trusting the line to find the form. I love the way the ink bleeds a little, giving it this soft, blurry edge. It's like Francis isn't trying to give us the *whole* story, just a glimpse. And the texture! You can almost feel the grit of the plate. It’s amazing how a few simple marks can capture so much. I’m reminded of Picasso and Matisse, his work has that same kind of playful confidence.