On the Road Again
© D. Yael Bernhard
This silly scene was part of a series of illustrations commissioned twenty years ago by Hamilton College in upstate New York. My assignment was to embellish the top picks of college entrance essays that year, to be published in the alumni magazine. This particular essay was by a young student who wrote about her own maturation process in learning to tolerate her father’s strengths and foibles – including his abhorrent singing behind the wheel.
The girl went to some length in describing her father’s effect on her. She wrestled with both superlatives and understatement to articulate the grating sound of her father’s voice, his cheesy choice of songs, and his equally infuriating lack of awareness of the suffering and embarrassment he caused his daughter. It was a noble arc indeed that she traveled to arrive at her present state of equanimity. Her dad had, after all, done a few good things for her in her short life.
The success of this essay was its hyperbolic humor, as well as its ability to show the reader the father’s character through his daughter’s eyes. Even through her criticisms, we sense what a good father he was – despite his lousy voice – and the evolution of her appreciation.
Humorous illustration assignments don’t come my way too often, so this was a refreshing change. It was pure fun to create these exaggerated facial expressions and gestures. I drew upon my own teenage memories of finding everything about my parents annoying, while at the same time needing them so badly – if only just for a ride to get away from them. I also remember my own father’s steady, cheerful presence behind the wheel – though he was more of a whistler than a singer. The world needs more funny fathers! Personally, I’m grateful for my dad’s sense of humor. I even wrote an essay about it for my creative writing class in college.
If I were to illustrate this essay today, the picture would be different. The girl might not be tearing her hair out, but peacefully listening to earbuds, isolated and withdrawn in her own private world without even hearing her father’s voice. For that matter, with the rise of artificial intelligence she might not even have to write an essay. As our world becomes more and more cushioned and streamlined, I wonder what challenges the next generation of college kids will face, and what will prompt them to grow. Hopefully someone will be there to teach them to enjoy the ride. I like to believe parent-child dynamics will always be same, no matter how much times change. Though I don’t whistle very well, I did, after all, turn out much like my old man.
A good week to all!
D. Yael Bernhard
https://dyaelbernhard.com
Have you seen my other Substack, The Art of Health? In addition to being a visual artist, I’m also a certified integrative health & nutrition coach with a lifelong passion for natural food cooking and herbal medicine. Now in its second year, this illustrated newsletter explores cutting-edge concepts of nutrition. I strive to make relevant information clear and accessible, and to anchor essential health concepts in unique images. Check it out, and if you like it, please subscribe and help spread the word. Your support keeps my work going!