i am sassa

It was not very long into the start of this project that I noticed how many of my subjects talked about their mothers. If they didn’t speak of their birth mother or adopted mother, the title was given to a usually older and very dear friend who provided guidance, like Maya Angelou for Oprah Winfrey. Or a grandmother who cared for them. Sometimes they even referenced the spirit of divine motherhood, a felt sense of maternal guidance and nurturing. In just a few cases, mothers were referenced in a less flattering or even fearful or resentful way. In all cases, mothers were spoken of as having an unmatched power.

I’ve been very careful to remove the idea of rank from this project. I truly believe that the contributions and perspectives of all women are needed and important. But I have to stray from that to tell you…on a personal level, this woman is my absolute number one. If it were a race, she would have smoked them all on day one.

I call her Mum. She was born Annette Marcum, and she grew up a coal miners daughter in Paint Creek, West Virginia. She is the oldest of three children. Her parents named her after Annette Funicello. I remember being completely captivated by seeing old photos of my mom when I was younger. She was absolutely breathtakingly beautiful, and she still is. She made her own clothes, which blew my little mind, and she had shiny, dark goddess hair nearly to her waist.

My mom tragically lost both of her parents when she was just nine years old. She went to live with her grandmother, who she often had to care for, along with her younger brother and sister. Despite lacking maternal stability for herself, I can tell you with certainty that I cannot remember a single time in my life that my mother has not been there for me. Not one. She is one of the smartest people I have ever met, and definitely the most creative. She gave me my curiosity, my creativity, my ability to see obstacles as challenges to be conquered. She gave me optimism and hope, kindness and so much love I could never run out (Dad, you gave me some stuff too but you’ll have to wait till I paint 100 men…).

My mom has supported every single thing I’ve ever decided to do, from making edible art for my shows to sewing tiny pants for my puppets. I have A LOT of wild hairs, and she is the one person who has always been every bit as excited about them as I am. She is an adored grandmother, and everyone’s favorite cupcake maker.

This is a painting of my mom, but it’s for any person who holds that title or fills that role. Your influence is extraordinary. You are a divine gift.

I am so grateful for you. Thank you, Mum.