New A Life, Still Submission!

Allison Patton
…in sickness and in health…
East Carolina University
Photography-Digital Inkjet Print
11 in x14 in

Artist Statement
Only five months into my parents’ marriage, my dad was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. For 11 years, he continued to work as his condition worsened. In 2000, he was declared disabled by the Social Security Administration and had to quit his job. For 12 years, my mom has provided for our family of four. She struggles with depression and anxiety, and the stress of taking care of my dad has taken a great toll on her. I made this diptych in order to compare and contrast the past and the present of my parents’ relationship.  In the top image, my dad is feeding my mom a piece of their wedding cake.  In the bottom, my mom is feeding my dad a spoonful of coconut oil in order to improve his dementia.

Artist Bio
My name is Allison Patton, and I am a BFA candidate in photography at East Carolina University.  I was born in Suffolk, Virginia, but grew up in Morehead City, North Carolina.  I am interested in creating work about family, aging, mental illness, loss, caregiving, and nostalgia.  On the other end of the spectrum, I also like to make work with a sense of humor that makes people laugh.