Local artist’s self-portrait turns heads at Sask. Art Fair

All artwork is made unique, but there’s one self-portrait at the second annual Saskatchewan Art Fair that’s turning heads more than others this weekend.

It’s the larger-than-life, three-dimensional Styrofoam sculpture of Saskatchewan artist Joe Fafard’s head.

Fafard created the piece in 2011, after being asked to join a self-portrait art collection at a gallery in Toronto. From there, he knew he had to create something different.

“Everybody’s going to be looking at me, so I thought, ‘Well, I’ll just have to do one that stares back at them,'” chuckled Fafard, adding that that’s why he decided to title the piece Here’s Looking at You.

Aside from being drawn in by the Styrofoam and bold colours, there’s another aspect of the sculpture that’s perplexing people.

“No matter where you go, this thing seems to be moving and turning its head and looking at you,” explained Fafard.

It’s that quality of the work that caught young Regina artist Michelle Harazny’s eyes when she entered the gallery at the Soundstage Saturday afternoon.

“It’s really neat the way that it’s sculpted — the way the eyes pop out and the nose is back, but it still looks three-dimensional. I like it a lot,” she said.

Regardless of the amount of eye action, Fafard is modest when asked how he feels about someone taking it home.

“The chances of them buying the piece is slim,” he said, smiling. “Not many people would want me in their living room, staring at them all the time — but it’s still for sale.”

However, Harazny said if she had the $9,000 to buy it, she would.

“It would become a conversation piece and something that people can enjoy looking at, but also a memory to have later on,” explained Harazny.

Gazing on at his self-portrait, Fafard said it’s symbolic.

“I don’t necessarily seek attention, but I have to accept attention if I’m going to be in this business,” he explained.