"The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera." - Dorothea Lange

Friday, October 25, 2013

gaston

This morning I had a very pleasant visit with fabulous ceramicist Amy Meya and her two sons. Her oldest, Gaston, had made some cool drawings for the children at SMK; they, in turn, made some drawings for him. It was sort of a pen pal exchange with art  instead of words. At any rate, Gaston came over to collect his package of Ugandan drawings (with which he was truly delighted) and to hear a bit about the children who made them. I was captivated by him and asked if I could make his portrait. I even had a place in mind.

Amy and both of her children have been good friends to Change the Truth. Blaise, her youngest, made a doll for one of our fundraisers, Amy has made three dolls, and now Gaston is providing drawings to the children. He told me he was certain he would get inspiration from the drawings he received this morning. No doubt, a conversation between him and his new friends at SMK will continue, as he is already making plans to work on another batch of creations for them. Back and forth, back and forth these drawings will continue to go.

We have so much to say to one another and so much to learn from one another. I'm learning there are many different ways to do this!

Here's my portrait of the young artist, Gaston.





5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great photo, Gloria. And the location is almost surreal -- somewhere in KC, I assume. Such a lovely idea, to exchange art. Marti

Anonymous said...

what a concept. can't wait to see how this exchange influences his art.
KF

Unknown said...

Fantastic!

Unknown said...

What an outstanding image.

amymeya said...

I cannot tell you how much I love this image! This truly captures Gaston's spirit, he is cautious (eyes closed) but brave (hands open, and head held high). It may be scary, but he is determined, especially when he finds interest. Thank you again for encouraging and facilitating a dialogue between young people in the medium they find comfortable to communicate in. xoxo Gaston's mom