[6][7] McIver was the youngest of three daughters and raised by a single mother who worked as a maid to support their family.

[8] Her mother’s attention and resources were mostly focused on McIver’s older sister, Renee, who was mentally disabled.

[13] Performing in clown makeup and a wig empowered McIver: “As a clown…I was transformed, and in many ways more acceptable to society.

[15] McIver's work explores personal identity, and besides self-portraiture she is known for painting the people who surround her in everyday life.

A documentary about McIver's life entitled Raising Renee was featured on HBO and nominated for an Emmy award.