An Honest Self-Portrait from June, 2021

An Honest Self-Portrait from June, 2021 is a piece of jail art. The drawing was accompanied by an artist note, written on a piece of paper which was a receipt showing Chris's CVRJ account balance. The information pertaining to the account had been scratched out with pen, but still remain visible.

Transcript

C11985: CHANDLER, CHRISTINE W            Add 36614 1051622

Loc: MEDICAL CVRJ 03 03            Acct: CntrlVA-27729 5/11/2022 1:11:37 PM

By: F. HORROCKS From: ADMIN            Prior Balance: $327.47

Add: Che. #51558            $309.72

FROM; CENTRAL VA REGIONAL JAIL

Main Balance: $637.19

An Honest Self-Portrait from June, 2021

Artist's Notes: I've pondered how to properly draw the self-portrait of Barbara upon receiving the commission description recently. I've opted for an Honest piece reflecting past-tense emotions that were still present. I had foreknown of mine and Barbara's separation two months, less than, later and the betrayal circumstances. But, essentially, regardless of her past emotional manipulations and whatnot, I still cared and had patience when it came to tending to her care. Yet I could not escape emotions that she and I had already were drifting apart. And that had become more clear over the past year with her worsening handicaps and lethargy. I've realized, despite my efforts with her, she had become an emotional burden even moreso than before and was holding me back. But ultimately, to return to better progress, work and life, I have had to make the hard emotional choice to let her go. I've wept while writing this.

Mrs. Jesus Christine Weston Chandler Sonichu.

• 

  The art piece