Jackson Pollock was born on January 28, 1912, in Cody, Wyoming. His mother, Stella
May McClure, was an ambitious artist herself. Pollock’s father, an abusive alcoholic, left his family when he was just 8. As the youngest of five, Pollock was always searching for much needed attention. His older brother Charles was also an artist who was considered the best in the family. His brother contributed highly to Pollock’s interest in art. Living in Los Angeles, Pollock enrolled into Manual Arts High School, he found his new passion for art. (He was expelled twice for doing art by his own creativity).
At age 18, Pollock moved to New York City to live with Charles and study with his art teacher, Thomas Hart Benton, at the Art Students League. Benton and Pollock became very close
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This newly found fame caused him to become prideful of his own art work. When Hans Namuth began producing a film of Pollock working, he found it impossible to work for the camera which caused him to go back to drinking heavily again. His 1950 art gallery show, featuring his Number 4, did not sell. Pollock moved away from the “drip” method and began painting in black and white. (Proved to be unsuccessful). He would get roaring drunk which caused him to get into violent fights.
Pollock’s wife, Lee Krasner, became very concerned about him and called his mother to help. Having her there helped Pollock, and he began to paint again. He completed, The Deep, during this time. (Considered to be his masterpiece). Soon after his art became more desirable and the pressure he had felt caused him to retreat back to his alcoholism.
As Pollock’s marriage began to fall apart he started to date other women. By 1956
Pollock completely quit painting, and Krasner left for Paris to give Pollock some space. Pollock was drunk more than half the time, and soon after Krasner left he got into a wreck with his girlfriend and he died immediately. Although during the end of his life, his art work failed