Raju

Justin came back from Nepal with stars in his eyes (well, I couldn't exactly see him because we were instant messaging...but I could tell). He's seen a lot of wonderful things traveling, but it seems like this trip was especially good.

They were having some down time in Pokara and decided to volunteer at a children's home. He had a real connection with this adorable child, Raju. I thought Raju would be a nice painting to do.

It brought me back to a similar day in Costa Rica at a children's home. A really nice memory. There's something really amazing meeting children like that. Children who oftentimes have had to overcome difficult things at a really young age. To see their happy spirits and resilience is pretty inspiring.

September 15th.
I think I might be changing the name of this. It might be called "Injecting myself into someone else's story. This is Raju." I really like having long painting titles. Maybe that is stupid, but I like it because I think it makes the painting more like a story.

The depiction of Raju is my own. I am only re-living Justin's amazing experience second-hand thus injecting my own thoughts, feelings and ideas into what Justin has told me. Hence the checkers. Checkers are me. I don't know why exactly. They are a powerful image that I have always been attracted to. They also illustrate an idea that I am constantly intrigued by, an idea dealing with polar opposites working together to create something that is whole.

So. This is where I am with Raju. I'm liking him a lot more lately. His face wasn't quite right, but now in combination with different visual elements, he is feeling more alive.

Or something I dunno. Still not sure about grad school stuff. I think I can have enough, but I'm also worried that now isn't the time. That I need more development. Ohhhh dear. We'll see.