It is an interesting dilemma, whether visual artist or a writer, how much of the personal should be injected into the art? And also how to avoid offending people? It is quite possible I have offended those I picture in some of my paintings. I haven't been disowned or sued yet so I must be doing something right. All kidding aside, I can best answer this by describing my process.

Additionally, since much of my work involves the "inner world of the child" I had to be particularly careful not to overstep my authority as a parent when my daughter modeled. Although my work is not memoir it is informed by my personal experiences and background. And even though my family oftentimes model (mostly I use old family photographs, some found photographs from antique shops and some modeling sessions) when I use family photos there use is mostly because they are convenient and free. Yet, as you picked up, there is also an element of portraiture or self-portrait in my paintings. Portraiture is inherently psychologically revealing.

So it all depends. Since you are featuring, "Epic Wrestlers" I'll detail its process.

"Epic Wrestlers" was the last painting from the series of paintings I did centered around the Ariadne/Theseus/Minotaur myth. (Sometimes, years later I return to myths, such as the Leda and the Swan one.) It is my impression that even with just a bit of Greek mythology knowledge a lot of people know about Theseus slaying the Minotaur and then using yarn or thread to get out of the labyrinth. But less people realize that Ariadne had her own heroic quest. Because of her love of Theseus she betrayed her family and culture. She was stuck in a quandary and then ultimately let her heart rule.

To paint "Epic Wrestlers" I relived instances of having loved and then struggle with a choice. Like a method actor, I became Ariadne for a few months. I imagined that even after Ariadne decided to cast her fate with Theseus, she still struggled with the decision. That ambivalence was part of her heroic quest. Because I am a feminist I believe it is important to retell the ancient myths from a woman's (or at least this one woman's) perspective. The two women struggling with each other are bounded by shadows and the shadows continue the struggle off the painting plane. So I ended the narrative of the show with no clear resolution, just as this ancient myth has multiple endings.

The process also involved my youngest daughter and her friend doing a photographic modeling session with me after I described the goal of the painting. They enjoyed the session that lasted about half an hour to 45 minutes. When painting them I thought of them less as young women I know well, but instead, as two sides of Ariadne. So in this instance, I felt they were iconic characters and to establish some anonymity I changed their faces so they were not so easily recognizable. Periodically, I ask my daughter what she thinks of a painting and fortunately she is quick to offer her opinion. I have made changes because of her feelings. I do not see that as compromising my vision. I think it as just expressing my respect for her feelings.

My children have always lived with an artist mother. There were trips to museums and galleries, maybe too many, if you ask them. But they were exposed to a lot of art. I think that helped to instill in them a sense that art is more than the individual. Maybe they realize that in a hundred years no one will know that person is so and so, but if the painting is good, it may be seen and pondered because that anonymous face reveals an emotion that the viewer understands. You would have to ask them if they felt I overdid it or took advantage of their desire to please me. I believe, I was sensitive to their need for privacy and modesty when they were younger and as I said, I have tried to keep the communication open about their feelings.