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Worthy (Self-Portrait) by Jess Le Clerc

Worthy (Self-Portrait)

Jess Le Clerc

About the artwork and sitter

Jess Le Clerc had a life altering experience after she suffered an aneurysm in 2020 and was given a five percent chance of surviving.

This portrait is detailed and meticulous, and the firm grasp of her hands over her chest is as though she is holding onto herself, and holding on to her life.

She says of the work: “I made this portrait for myself. After all I have been through I wanted a reminder of some of the things I have learnt on this journey. I didn’t realise how important those messages would be after I almost lost my life… Life is a gift, love is the point.”

About the artist

Jess Le Clerc is the principal and founder of Art School Co. She is a member of the Portrait Society of America and is recognised as an Associate Living Master by the Art Renewal Center, a not for profit organisation, supporting realist art. Jess has been teaching art for 20 years and has been a finalist in numerous art prizes in Australia. She won the 2020 Brisbane Portrait Prize People’s Choice Award.

“I made this portrait for myself. After all I have been through I wanted a reminder of some of the things I have learnt on this journey.”