Some people seem to be born knowing exactly who they are and they never waver.  Others of us spend a good deal of our lives trying to figure it out!  The process can be slow, but eventually, it will be apparent when our true selves emerge.  To me, these paintings by Ryan Hewett seem to mimic those stages of self discovery and acceptance.

In his bold, painterly brushstrokes, we see in some elements of each face more detail than others.  Just as the process of finding who we are is about refining, we become known in some ways more quickly and distinctly than others.  Some aspects of who we are take a much longer time to nail down, especially as we shed inhibitions and outside influences.  Once we can quiet that cacophony, we can hear the voice inside.

To see more of Ryan Hewett’s work, please visit his website.

All images are via the artist’s website.