The first thing I noticed was his mind.
A group of nearly twenty adults, sitting around the American Corner Library in Zwedru, discussed possible themes for the mural. There was a good flow of suggestions, so I was both relieved and pleased. However, the youngest member of the group raised his hand and then neatly tied all of our ideas up in a ribbon. He said he saw a light that represented the way for a new Liberia. It would shine through problems in roads, health care, food supplies and education as well as preservation of traditions and the importance of family. The mural theme was set.
After the meeting, someone told me that I should see the art this kid did. I’ve seen high school art. Okay, I may be a little smug, but I’ve rarely ever seen a high school kid who can do even close to what I do. But, I’m always willing to look at someone’s work. Patrick only had a few pieces photographed on his cell phone.Yes, the next thing I noticed was his talent. I was completely blown away!
So much for smugness, vanity, pride or expectations. I truly believe this young man who lived a hundred-fifty miles off the paved road in a town surrounded by rainforest in Africa had more talent than I have and more than almost anyone I’d ever met. And, he did this with no training except YouTube videos, internet searches and a few old art books.
Truly amazing!
Immediately, I introduced him to the Public Affairs Officer from the US Embassy. The embassy hosts an art show twice a year, and Patrick’s work must be seen – and sold! The kid painted, worked with pastels and watercolors, but his passion was drawing. So, I had a sit-down session and watched him transform one of my favorite portrait photographs from Zwedru into art. He said it could be done in an hour and a half. I was horrified. It takes me closer to ten hours. Much to my relief, after a two-hour session, he was about half done. Maybe I disturbed him too much with conversation? However long it took, I had a treasure from someone who should become one of Liberia’s leading artists.