HAIR PORTRAITS

Xavier

2006. Hard Ground Etching. Somerset White Textured Paper. 29.5" x 28"

Edition of 35. Published by Paulson Fontaine Press, Berkeley, CA

Xavier (Detail)

Mildred

2015. Conte and Graphite on Paper Panel. 98" x 48"

Mildred (Detail)

Fictitious Self Portrait

2006. Hand Ground Etching, Somerset White Textured Paper. 29.5" x 28"

Edition of 35. Published by Paulson Fontaine Press, Berkeley, CA

Rita

2005. Graphite on Paper. 30" x 22"

Endless Braid

2005. Graphite on Paper. 18" x 24"

Olivia

2004. Graphite on Paper. 10" x 12"

Scott

2004. Graphite on Paper. 40" x 30"

Angela

2004. Graphite on Paper. 30" x 22"

Nick

2004. Graphite on Paper. 40" x 30"

Lavialle

2003. Graphite on Paper. 30" x 22"

Shoshi

2004. Graphite on Paper. 30" x 40"

Megan

2004. Graphite on Paper. 30" x 22"

Lauren

2003. Graphite on Paper. 30" x 22"

Since 2004 Lava Thomas has created drawings from hair that has been gifted to her by friends and strangers; each drawing bears the name of its donor, serving as a portrait. Thomas’s Hair Portraits are executed in the style of 17th-century scientific illustrations – drawn from observation in extreme detail. Cutting one’s hair offers a route to personal transformation, effecting a physical change which also signals a shift in self-image or self-perception.

Exhibitions:
To Reflect Us, Rena Bransten Gallery, San Francisco, CA