Gary Mark received a Bachelor of Arts in 1999 and a Master of Arts in 2002 from the University of Texas at El Paso. He has been a secondary public school art teacher for the past four years and instructor at the University of Texas at El Paso since 2003.

“ Self-Portrait as a Midget” is a series of five identical small figures with my face. The figures are arranged in a circular pattern with the composition having a planned relationship and interaction from each figure to the sculpture’s entirety. Each figure has a pronounced body, which is covered in a red coat and blue pants. The figures are in a classic statue style implying their importance and royalty, importance in a small size with both hands hidden, head sheepishly cocked to one side, and feet pigeon-toed, signifying vulnerability.