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Who is Amanda Pollock?

Amanda Pollock is my mom. I've known her before I even knew what knowing things was. Since I was three she's been the only parent I've had, and largely the sole provider for our family. Can we ever really fully appreciate the contributions our parents made to our lives? I don't know, but I know it would be almost impossible with my mom. She's always been living proof of unconditional love, forgiveness, and altruism in my life. The number of time's she's had to sacrifice her time and energy to provide me with opportunities and convenience is staggering and humbling. She's a talented writer, musician, and artist. For a career, she's spent her time helping people with disabilities as a PCA, and now works as a dental assistant. Even when it's not her own son she spends her time in service to others.

My mom has always worked harder than anyone I've seen, and not with much reward or praise. She inspires me to refute cynicism and apathy, and to embrace optimism and hope. When I think of the type of effect I wish to have on others, she's who comes to mind, really. Funny, smart, and inspiring. If there's anything you like about me, it's hers.

... am I an awesome son or what?!

Me (left) and Mom (right) having fun with balloons. (March 2012)

The Path Towards Completion

Symbolic Signifigance

The paintings composition is supposed to be in reference to "Napoleon Crossing the Alps" by Jacques-Louis David. It's somewhat evident in the compositon. There's my mothers steed, and the Pollock embroidery in the forward most rock. My intention of referencing that piece was to bring up the question of who we decide to immortalize and why? Is my dental assistant mom worthy of as much recognition as Napoleon? More? Why not? I think so, but I want the viewer to think too. I decided to garment her in her work scrubs to really place that into peoples minds. For the background, I choose contrasting colors and a sunrise/sunset. My mom has always been a nuanced and complicated person, and so I tried to reflect that somewhat in the colors. The clouds swirling in front of Deer Hill (where we live) are supposed to be a nod to her Dzogchen philosophy and everchanging state. The Dove on the rear end of her motorcyle is me, Jonah means Dove, and I have her back. The Blue Heron is a bird i've always associated with my mother, and appears often for me when I'm in her presence. The motorcycle is a 1969 Triumph T Chopper that my mom owned in her crazy (everlasting) youth.

Reflection

I think my mom may be my favorite of the pieces, but I also think it is lacking a lot of symbols. I wish I had dedicated more time earlier in the year to the painting portion, and had been able to include more things. I want to include our cats, and a plum, and a red tail hawk. They mean something to us, but I just didnt have the time to add it all and be cohesive. I also think the layering of backgrounds, bike proportions, and ground could've all used a little bit more effort.

I'm hard on myself, because I want something like this to be as perfect as it can. Regardless of my criticisms, I really do love this painting. I had a lot of fun painting it, and watching my mom come to life on the canvas. Weird.

Mom's Interview

My recording 2.m4a

Questions asked respectively at: 0:00, 4:15, 8:25, 14:12, 17:00, 25:00

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