Self Reflection

Artist: Tony Ryan
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Self Reflection

This is a self portrait that was shot against a wall in my house. On this wall I have written a heap of words and sayings that I have found in self reflection over the past few years.

I have been striving passionately to become fully self empowered emotionally. To this end I am commited to being as self aware as possible to the emotions and energies that I carry. Much of what is written on this wall has originated from weaknesses that I have observed in myself. I have been insecure for much of my life and believe that the more weakness within myself that I become aware to the more likely I am to understand these weaknesses that hold me back.

Have also and continue to be less than fully confident with my own physical appearance. I am however finding that the more I search and overcome emotional weakness the better I believe I am looking and feeling. Still have days where I do not like to look at myself in the mirror but these days are becoming less and less.

Just as an added note. Just wanted to say that the main message I am trying to convey with this piece is that I believe true strength for any person is accessed through self reflection. The more I understand about my inner self the more free, humble and strong I am finding myself to be.

Empowered Beauty
www.leapoffaith.com.au – my personal website

Self Reflection belongs to the following groups:

B. A . G . (Bum Appreciation Group), Beauty of The Human Body , ImageWriting (2/24), The Adult Group, The Artistic Nude and The Fine Art of Fetish & Erotica.

Brita Lee Mikl...

Wow Tony this is a beautiful image. Facing the Shadow, which we all gotta do to become fully human. It takes courage. What I like about it is it’s rare to see a sensitive image of a male nude, you have really succeeded! Lovely body too.
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks Brita. These days I feel it is not taking so much courage as it used to. I realise that by not embracing weakness I am only hurting myself more.
tkrosevear

looks like your embracing your shadow Tony – beautifully done and although reflection is great, don’t be so hard on yourself – you wouldn’t be who you are without some of those waeknesses or strengths ;)
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks for your comments. Am not as hard as I used to be on myself. I do value the pain and weakness but in valuing am planning on being so self aware that I learn from now on without so much struggle.
Matt Bottos

Wow … powerful stuff Tony. Thanks for your words.. they always seem to make me feel more positive
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks Matt, think we share many similarities in our makeup.
~ Ademac

Stunning image….............................powerful work, well done Tony.
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks Adrian, much appreciated.
Jane Keats

I agree, stunning image and words that so many of us can relate to.
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks Jane, hope you are well.
Di Jenkins

Best self portrait I’ve ever seen, and I just want to HUG you!!
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks Di. I am pretty happy with the creation as a whole. Love this sort of lighting too as it gives the skin a beautiful colouring.
TextureoftheSin

Very powerful – love how you tell your story.
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks very much. Feel that words when combined with an image can create so much more impact.
navybrat

excellent!
Cora Wandel

Tony, a great work of self-reflection, I am sure you are a far better looking man than you give yourself credit for. Yes, the remedy is to search for and overcome emotional weaknesses. A very beautiful, thought provoking work, you handsome guy!
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks Cora. My looks vary from day to day but I am finding my self image is improving. Have also found this with the models I photograph. The more relaxed they become during a shoot the better their aesthetic looks seem to become.
Ronald Rockman

Exceptinal composition Tony.
Regards,
Ronald
AndreJ

great image tony – even without the explanatory notes which give it an extra dimension
Christopher Bi...

outwardly you have everyhting to be confident about! but its the inside that does us in! great to see a guy bringing social cometary to this side of what men deal with and i am sure most of us deal with less than great self image at times. well done for putting this out there for us.
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks Christopher. I think that for me as a man the thing I want most is the humility to be able to appreciate beauty without needing to possess it. The self reflection I do is paramount to this desire.
Danilo Lejardi

Yes, Tony, its´doubly appreciated. Your art is impressive as always. And you´ve made all of us to think in our own reflections; thanks for sharing this outstanding portrait of existence.
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks Danilo. I think it is wonderful when art can encourage us to slow down and go deeper within.
Tahnja

dear Tony, this just radiates everything I deeply respect and admire about you. Such incredible depth and sensitivity that instantly reaches people. You are really amazing is so many ways
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks Tahnja, for this and for your email. Will be replying to you very soon.
Shelby Stalnaker

very good self portrait , nice shadows, and it tells a story all by itself.
Ciska

This is powerful stuff, embracing your own shadows, it is rare for a male to share their sensitive side , so be proud of yourself, it is so very well done Tony!!!
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks Ciska. I really believe that males have very deep emotions aswell. However many of us have been conditioned to believe that physical strength is what we will be judged by. The older I get the more I realise that no person is truly strong whilst they hold fear inside.
Anthony Baseley

Love your work Tony. Lighting is perfict! Loving everything about it!!!
Jeff Stroud

Beautiful photograph! Like a sculpture made of flesh…
Thank you for sharing your journey as well, the story allows us to know you, and for you to grow!
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks Jeff, I think it is so important to tell as much of a story as possible with all our creations.
Miron Abramovici

So powerful and profound! Bravo!
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks Miron, much appreciated.
RavenSoul

This is Awesome on so many levels Tony. First of all You look Amazing! Physically you are Beautiful and Masculine! This lighting really enhances both the physical as well as emotional in this photo. You are not afraid to show your vulnerable side and your words are those of a true artist’s reflection. I think this is one of your best yet. xx
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks so much. I can feel the passion in your words and truly appreciate this. Must say this is one of the first times I have really enjoyed a series of self portaits.
David J. Vande...

This great. The lighting and the shadows work great together and yet the best part is that its you. Both in the pose as well what you share in your writing. We all go through some of those same thoughts as we grow older. At least I have. Be thankful the good Lord has blessed you and you are aging well my friend.
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks David. Think what I am trying to really convey in this creation is that true strength is in continual self reflection.
Watertoy

Wow Tony.

When people meet you, the words you write do not reflect the impressions people have of you. I guess people shine in certain environments and dim in other environments. We could talk for days of the emotions, sensitivities, troubled souls behind bright eyes, reasons why confidence levels get dinted, igniting with the opposite genders, etc.

Back to the photo – powerful. I wonder how the shots would turn out if there was a little more right arm exposure and less shadow on the arm. Excellent concept and you should consider this shot in your next Calendar.
Tony Ryan replied

Hi Dale,

I think you are right that we come across different dependant upon the situation. Think at the workshops I am very tense as I am getting used to running them and want everyone to be happy. Did remember being relaxed however when you took my portait that day.

With the photo think you are right about the right arm. It is difficult getting everything togeather when you are shooting on time delay.

Hope you are well,

Best Wishes Tony.
Carlos Solorza

wow, fantastic shot, Tony.
great lighting and composition.
beautifully done
ozbeachside

a self portrait with a multitude of dimensions Tony.

your concentration, focused on a wall with many thoughts scribed upon it, is commanding.

your choice of lighting and crop is reminiscent of the statue of David.

the image leaves the viewer wondering what you are thinking, and more powerfully, also switches the viewers mind into self reflection.

stand very proud of this shot mate!
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks so much. I am pretty proud of this one. Came on a bit of a whim the other day. Hope you are well.

Best Wishes Tony.
Laney ...

Beautiful job, Tony. Beautiful light, beautiful shadows, beautiful words. Thanks for sharing your talents – good on you :)
David Barnes

Magic Tony, just Magic.
María González

Wonderful shot Tony!!!!
and, Thank you so much
for your support.

M.
Cora Wandel

Congratulations Tony!

Your Hosts,

Anne-Marie & Cora
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks Cora. I am so pleased that you have featured this piece.
Joanne Bradley

Really an astonishing and beautiful self-portrait! Congrats on the ImageWriting feature!
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks Joanne, your comments are greatly appreciated.
LindaR

a very powerful portrait ~ it portrays the struggle and strength ~ as it ties back to your words and thoughts ~ and without doubt, you’re beautiful…but if I had to chose between the outside and the inside ~ I’d chose your beingness over your body ~ incredible man
just noticing you’ve chose the “wall” over the “mirror” and the light and shadow play ~ so many analogies to this one ~ just excellent work all the way around xx
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks Linda.I really appreciate the depth of your response to this creation. I think like most I go through a continual cycle of emotions. These do affect my sense of self and my appearance in a physical sense. The wall and the journals from which I found the inspiration to search are so special for me. I believe that my writing and reflection keeps me sane and is allowing me to find so much more inner peace.

Best Wishes Tony.
amarica

Congratulations on being featured in the ImageWriting group Tony!!!
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks. I think this is one of the best groups on bubble. Words and images togeather create such a powerful message I believe.
Stacy Rodriguez

BEAUTIFUL SHOT, LOVE THE SHADOW
T SOUL

You are a role model to so many!
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks very much. Think bubble in general is such an inspiration where we all can be role models for each other.
Pamela B

Tony this is such a powerful image! Your honesty in your strengths and self-perceived weakness are thought-provoking. You are an outstanding inspiration! It is through self-examination that we learn to love ourselves and others.
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks so much Pamela. Even over the last few days I have felt a little out of control at times. However I would rather lose control and learn why than avoid experiences that can provide me with passion.
Arzeian

I think this is wonderful tony. really emotional and the lighting is just great. Perhaps you should do an intire series of self inspired works…lovely. x
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks Arzeian, I think I may but it will be a gradual process. I get intuitive inspiration at lengthy intervals where I am inspired to capture my emotional and physical progress.
chrisdade

I really love this image, its so personal and intimate, thank you for sharing it. I love how the shadow looks as if you are meeting yourself, so graceful and profound. This is one of the best images I have seen on redbubble and the writing is perfect. Your physical beauty and emotional beauty shines form this image. Thanks you for the inspiration!
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks so much Chris. Really appreciate the depth and passion of your comments.
monaiman

I have been through what you are going through right now. This world is such beautiful place is actually heaven but you don’t see this way until understand your inner self . Everything you want is just inch away from you it’s actually inside of you ;) Amazing self portrait Tony !!! love the lighting the concept Beautifully done !!!!
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks so much for your response. I go through emotional tests regularly but am now in a place where I embrace these very quickly. Does make such a difference.
ANNETTE HAGGER

the lighting in this is superb, you have a beautfiul back…....anna ; )
soos

Outstanding work in every way…artistically, philosophically and on yourself…very well done :)
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks very much, appreciate your comments.
wendyL

Tony, this is a fantastic sp! well done!
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks Wendy. One day I will get the confidence to do something front on.
linda858100

EXCELLENT INDEED,
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks Linda, appreciate your comments on my work.
Kathryn Potempski

I was pleased to see this image Tony, I think the shot shows a lot of strength .
The jaw line especially something I had not noticed before well done.
Congrats on the Sydney shoot.
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks for your comments on my work Kathryn and also for your wishes re Sydney. Really hoping to work regularly in Sydney.
Minska

Beautiful, intimate and sensitive self portrait…I have been looking at your image and words for a length of time, both have touched me emotionally. Your self discovery has led you to an image and words that has an honesty and complexity that is very interesting..inspiring
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks very much Minska. When I shot this it was very much a spir of the moment decision. I felt very relaxed and free when I did the series of shots.
Anne McGinn

Your humility and honesty and courage touch me deeply, Tony. It is rare to find someone so willing to expose their personal truth with others. It requires vulnerability and sensitivity, but also tremendous strength. I see all of that in your sp. It takes great courage to face yourself honestly, and from that is born great strength and joy. I know that recognize those things in other people based on the way you shoot them. Bravo for you, friend.
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks very much for taking the time to view this image and look into the words. Sometimes I do feel weak being so aware to my weaknesses. However I have always wanted to feel free in life and do not believe I will ever experience this whilst I store fears and insecurities.

Best Wishes Tony.
mrscboretti

Wow- beautiful! Body & work to be proud of!
Mariah Voas

Great idea about the wall! They’re written in paper all over mine!

And fanstastic shot. Great lighting, and figure.
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks Mariah. I have heaps of similar things written on paper aswell. Think writing helps us to slow our minds down to the pace and wisdom of our hearts.
mikebov

powerful image
Christine Boretti

Fantastic! Breathtaking!
Mark Hayward

i have to say I dont generally comment on male nudes..just not my thing as such…but I felt compelled to make comment on this work after reading your words. alot of truths in there for myself also..well done for baring your own soul..to yourself more than anything..a very hard thing to do indeed..and more commendable that you express this here for the world to see..really…BRAVO
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks again Mark. I have always had a deep passion for love and realised some time ago that if I am not secure then I will not be able to fully love another. Still not fully secure but find that by airing my insecurities publicly that it encourages me to work harder on inner reflection.
madworld

This is a really great peice of work. I generally dont comment on male nudes either as a rule, but your writing pulled me in and I can honesty see what you are trying to say here. Well done and keep up the great work!
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks very much for your comments. Had a look at your site. Love the mood of your work.
2Herzen

Great shot! Love the lightining in it!
Simon Aberle

great shot! this wall looks very familiar, I’m guessing this is where Matt Bottos took the photo that inspired me to draw Dwelling In Darkness
Steven Guy

Hi Tony
This is an amzing piece of work, the words, the portrait and the man behind it all are wonderfully brave. A very bold statement. Bravo. Steve
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks Steven, really appreciate your comments and support.
Steven Guy

A pleasure !
jennypaige

fantastic light and image
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks Jenny, sorry for the slow reply. Only just noticed your comment now. Think I have already mentioned this but adore your self portraits.
kimangeline

I think everything has been said..but I am so enamored with this photo I had to say my piece :)
Not only is this a powerful and emotional image, the idea of the wall in your house holding meaningful words and sayings is a fabulous one! Reading what you have written about this piece made me smile…you seem truly to be a beautiful man.
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks very much. I love the concept of the wall also. I have just started a new wall which is devoted to the things I need to remember to stop from getting angry or depressed. I certainly want to become beautiful all the time but find that when certain buttons are pushed I can become very cold.

Best Wishes Tony.
jacqleen

................again….a GREAT FOLLOW up or a START to your ” Is a MAN his Penis? ”.......Love what you have done here….and by the way…YOU LOOK GREAT :)))
Mel Brackstone

Beautiful image, Tony. I like the lighting here. Your self exploration is a fabulous idea, and this illustrates it beautifully.
Michael J Armijo

I love this…provokes many thoughts. ;)
Debbie Meyers

This is beautifully and tasfully done. I like your idea about self-reflection, I need to do that.
mimi yoon

very sculptural gorgeous… love your wall too…
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks Mimi. The wall seems to have a life of it’s own. What is written there is such a reminder to me of where I want to be.
Tahnja

I had to come back to look at this again. There’s something so compelling about this shot. The lighting, I think, is amazing. I do still want to work on our project but as you know, will not force a painting. I thank you yet again for your phenomenal patience and understanding. You are one amazing person
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks Tahnja. Please take all the time you need with the project. The best creations are built with patience I think. Thanks for your comments about the shots. Glad that the energy is being well received.

Best Wishes Tony.
nickowen

Wow

this is really stunning work
frenchblue

wow….this work is amazing…
firstly….you have an amazing body!...it is beautiful & masculine and yet with a softness that shows a man who is not afraid to display his vulnerablility.
The image of you embracing your shadow and your reflections is very powerful.
it shows that you are a sensitive soul that is searching for perfection!
i guess we all strive to be perfect in every way.
however if we were all perfect then we would no reason to create such profound images! beautiful image!!! cheers! cm
Tony Ryan replied

Thanks very much for your comments. The perfection thing does confuse me. I think the perfection I am favouring is perfect freedom from the fear of loss. So many, myself included, seem to fall unconsciously into stress about what others think of us and also of losing something in life we desire. If we were free from this fear perhaps we would materialise a very different looking and feeling world.