Gil’s Realm
Gil Bruvel’s work opens the realms of imaginative experience, deep personal mythology, exploration and visions to create a link between the conscious and the unconscious in an attempt to get closer to the mystery of the transformative process—what is engendered by growth and metamorphosis in the world of human experience. His canvases merge physical and organic forms to produce an amalgamation that is part human, part idea, part consciousness, and part spirit.

"Self Portrait, Listening”
Oil on board, 2005

According to painter Peggy Roalf, “great artists’ self-portraits reveal their character, their spirituality and their feelings.” Not only do self-portraits provide a study of the interior life and inner being of the artist, but they provide an avenue for visual “self-discovery” for both artist and audience. With its intimate
view of the artist and his process, self-portraiture establishes intimacy between the artist and audience and is a direct invitation into the studio to view the artistic process itself.

Early Work
Gil’s self-portraits, featured in this issue, span more than thirty years and provide a map for his development and concerns as an artist. Some viewers might be surprised at the more classic elements of Gil’s early work, which reflect his training and intensive study.

“Self Portrait”
Oil on Canvas, 1975

Here, audiences might notice the use of more earthy tones and an emphasis on a literal representation of the artist, as well as the presence of textural brush strokes and a classic pose. These paintings, says Gil, rely on his “age and mood ” to create an atmosphere for self-reflection and study.

“Self Portrait”
Oil on Canvas, 1976

“Self Portrait”
Oil on Canvas, 1977

“Self Portrait with Replacement Head”
Acrylic on Canvas, 1984

Current Work
According to Gil, while his early studies “are clearly more literal representations of [his] age and mood,” his current work focuses “much more on the state of being as an artist.” In fact, Gil’s more recent self-portraits reflect concerns of the artist as both creator and inhabitor of the world reflected in the painting.

“Self-Portrait”
Oil & Graphite on Board, 1996
Landscape as Self Portrait

In Gil’s most recent work, he notes the landscapes themselves “are also the self- portrait” because they really are working to reflect his experience and innerworld: “These are the places I inhabit,” he says, “and I think my work reflects both the wonder and excitement I have for this exploration.”

“Self Portrait, Looking”
Oil on Board, 2006

As a result of Gil’s inner exploration, his canvases are full of luminosity and color, reflecting not only the imaginative experience, but amazement for the world. They reflect, he says, “everything” -- his philosophy, his cosmology, the whole big explosive world of ideas inside his mind.

“Self Portrait, Painting a Landscape”
Oil on Board, 2008

“Self Portrait on the Beach with the Moon”
Oil on Canvas, 1991

“The Union”
Oil on Board, 2007

“Self Portrait,Venice 1475 ”
Oil & Graphite on Board, 1996

“How an Angel Can Make a Portrait”
Gouache & Pastel on Paper, 1989