What do portraits say?

 I would like to respond to a comment from someone suggesting I include something of their life story demonstrating their contribution to our society.
The sitting is an insular experience which involves only me and the subject.  The sitter sometimes becomes actively involved by suggesting poses or expressions that are more typical of them.  The reactions to the process differ: dialogue between us as I work/draw; their monologue; a palpable silence.  They are usually pleased with the end product but that has become secondary to the actual process and what comes out of that.
The process identified often becomes the vehicle to further discussions sometimes resembling a life review or narrative in kind.  I feel that the sitting establishes a special bond between the subject and myself as evidenced in ongoing conversations, confidences and hugs.  Overall, I believe the experience has enriched both my art and my nursing practice.  It has made me more conscious of an aesthetic awareness that I have learned is unique to me.
That being said, portraits should have both a personal and universal appeal if they are to belong to the realm of art and timeless.  So if someone asks me “who is it?” when they look at one of my portraits, I feel I have failed.
The story can draw you into a person’s life and it is important but in the moment, it is the aesthetic that transcends and endures….it is the aesthetic that should speak to the viewer.  Thus my goal is to hone my artistic skill in portraiture to engage people in the beauty in ageing facilitating  a better understanding of the life cycle.