This work reveals my self-portrait as a clown. Done using oil pastels I strove to bring out my own self-expression in red - the most passionate colour of roses. Taken from a series of studies of photographs which I took of myself, this work projects me forward to the spectator, yet still keeps me hidden beneath the tufts of material, enclosed within myself. The leader of an imaginary parade of circus performers, this clown is lost whilst her entourage of gypsies and circus entertainers follow. They walk in line carrying all their belongings, guided through a dark infinite road that leads to an unknown destination. The trailer cannot be found, the circus ring remains silent in the dark, where only the dust is left to speak. The folds of red and dark green material act as a frivolous wig of torn petals, flowers, an obsession that I have had as a child. The creases encompass me like petals in their bud, just about to blossom, yet weak as though they are bound to fall. My eyes look further beyond in dreams of an unknown circus, in hope of a performance of fantasy.