I didn’t know Polina when I was working at The Rock School because she was not in the academics program at the time. I saw her perform in the Nutcracker and in the hallways of The Rock School but never had a conversation with her. I was very affected by Polina’s story and even more disappointed by the outcome. How could anyone not be saddened by the loss of such a young and promising life? I was very upset as I heard the news about Polina two years ago, in the Rock Café alongside the other talented ballet students. It made me terribly sad.

I felt inclined to paint this in Polina’s honor and I presented it to The Rock School. It was one of the more difficult paintings I ever attempted for various reasons. I haven’t draw a realistic portrait in years, in fact I have spent my whole career trying to distort the human form. I also haven’t painted in oils for a while– except for the Keep A Breast casts that I work on at times. The painting gave me a reason to get my homemade easel out of the basement and actually paint. It was difficult yet rewarding, and I only hope that Polina’s family and the staff and students of The Rock School enjoy it.

The painting is currently hanging up in the Rock Academics classroom. Last year it was on display in the hallway by a little makeshift shrine near a large photo of Polina.