Self-Portrait II Small Head, Big Heart

In this self-portrait, Eric presents himself as a walking figure, his heart large and glowing red, his limbs set apart, collaged in a state of suspended animation. In contrast, his head is painted directly onto the illustration board, its naturalistic detail in direct contrast to the geometric forms that compose the body.

As in many of Eric’s works, the collaged elements are chipboard, which he used as a support when painting his signature tissue papers. The chipboard would absorb the excess paint and, over time, develop a richly layered surface. This material choice binds this work to his studio methods.

Artists often ask themselves, “Where should I sign this?” a practical question with compositional consequences. In this case, the title and signature visually complete the horizon line of the plinth on which this figure is walking.