One of my favorite artists is Alice Neel (1900-1984). Both the MIA and the Walker own paintings of hers. She is best known for portraits that she referred to as her “collection of souls”.  Her work transcended style. Boldly out of sync with the fashionable artistic movements of the day, she sought to reflect the interior life of her subjects, capturing their unique personality. Painting famous people and neighbors; rich and poor; adults and children, Alice Neel found what was special about each individual, capturing their unique psychology as it manifested itself in body language and facial expressions.

The Artist created each of us, individual and unique souls. 
Psalm 139.
13 For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
    when I was made in the secret place,
    when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;