The Many Faces of Hambone
Hilary Mullarkey's consideration of beauty
On the Artists Wanted website, a woman photographing her 9 year old son dressed as a girl piqued my interest. “‘The Many Faces of Hambone’ was inspired by my mother’s shallowness and how the emphasis on appearance stunted my emotional and spiritual growth. These images of my 9 year old son best illustrate my intent to show that a beautiful child does not translate into beauty within. I thank my mother now as I understand her own insecurities and lack of love for herself kept her from accepting me. It has taught me to appreciate my life and has inspired me to be a better mother, person and artist. He is not going to be a cross dresser or gay because I dressed him up; he is going to be a beautiful, independent, confident human being because I adore and accept him for who he is.” – Hilary Mullarkey, September 2010
