Grotesque Self-Portrait of the Artist as a Mute Oracle, William Harper (born 1944)

After starting his career as an abstract painter, William Harper transitioned to enameling and jewelry, developing an interest in creating objects with seemingly ritualistic or magical importance. Harper describes himself as “a wizard, a sorcerer... and alchemist.” Many of his works are self-portraits, such as this one, making his finished pieces incredibly personal and introspective, allowing the audience a glimpse into the artist’s inner psyche.