“Oh” said Rachel over coffee “so you’re a portrait artist, who uses words instead of paint.”

Rachel is an artist herself. Her work has sold all over the world, so she’s a good judge of these things. She reminded me that we rarely see ourselves the way others do.

You might think that in this day and age - the age of the ubiquitous selfie - why would I need a portrait? Why would I need my story told?

Yet it's also deeply human to want to know how we're seen. To know how others might tell our story. We’re all curious about that, and often go to some lengths to find out.

Portraits are published as a hardback coffee table book. Or a ‘zine if you don’t like coffee tables. They might be something to share and pass down, or they might be something more intimate and just for you..

What’s it like having a written portrait made?

Kathy lives in New York. In what was a bittersweet moment, her finished portrait arrived on 9/11. Since she was the first, she’s really the only person who can answer the question:

“This was the third or fourth time today I’ve had tears streaming down my cheeks. First few times were for 9/11 memories.  25 years.  And it's Rosh Hashana too today - new year, new page.  So appropriate to get a book. 

The most tears today were because I just unboxed your portrait of me - and while my niece will never see it - or anybody else - it was the BEST MONEY I HAVE EVER SPENT.  I'm going to look at myself - maybe every year, maybe just when I'm doubting myself.  I didn't have any idea what you were doing, but you did it so beautifully.  

Word pictures and picture pictures - you are an artist and fantastic at both. Thank you so much. 

Please tell anyone considering having a written portrait made that it may not be the most flattering portrait they've ever had made, but it will be accurate and kind and give you the sense of seeing yourself from the outside.  You connected the dots in a way I could never have.

I laughed.  I cried.  It's JUST FOR ME.  Best gift I ever gave myself -  maybe better than psychiatry even!  And I know how much went into it on your end - I'm absolutely honored.   

Also, beautifully packaged, delivered, bound - the whole thing  - the coffee stains on the back cover.  Wow.  I hope you end up with a shelf of them from WAY more interesting people than me.  I think this is a GREAT investment for someone to make in themselves.”

I’m telling my own story in much the same way I told Kathy’s and in the same way I’d tell yours, deliberately leaving in all the bits you think you should probably leave out.

It’s better that way.

Caution, meet wind.