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| Doña Trini, 4.5 x 2.75m, Hogar de Ancianos Fray Rodrigo de la Cruz, Antigua Guatemala |
Going back to the
nursing home Fray Rodrigo de la Cruz was a bit like coming home to old friends.
After the initial polity “Buenos Días”
back and forth, recognition dawned on the patients’ faces. “Oh, you’re BACK!!!”
Everybody was excited
about another mural in the corridor and despite all the details and many chats
with the residents and staff, Henry and I managed to finish this one in just a
matter of days.
The lady depicted is
still very much alive. Doña Trini is 96 years old and has been living at the
home for over twenty years. She’s not one to idly sit around. As soon as the dishes
are cleared, Doña Trini helps washing up. Or straightening tablecloths or
adjusting wheelchairs. Various staff members told me that I couldn’t have
picked a better person to paint, she really deserves it. Unfortunately I didn’t
see her when the mural was finished to take her picture in front of it. Not that
she was too impressed anyway. When a nurse asked her if she felt honoured to be
depicted, she just said “Naaaahh…” and continued drying dishes.
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| With Doña Trini in front of the previous mural |
It was yet again a wonderful
experience to paint here. I don’t think a mural could ever be appreciated more.
My assistant Henry also did a great job. This is his third mural with me and he’s
learning fast. Wonderful to have such an assistant!
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| Henry Navarijo |
Of course many thanks
to the wonderful people who made this mural possible. Jihae Park,
Linda Conard, Linda Green, Tessa de Goede and Ineke & Jan de Smidt, THANK YOU!!! You all ”won” a signed copy of this mural which I will get
to you soon. A very special thanks to Dr. Jim Bader for his generous donation
that helped sponsor this mural and the next. You’re prize is coming up too…
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| Coffee Time |
I hope to be able to
go back soon to this nursing home. There’s still plenty of wall and staff and
residents will be happy to have us back, which is the biggest compliment we
could get!
