What a lovely gathering it was yesterday, September 6th. De Kunst van het Woord (The Art of the Word) at Schuilkerk De Hoop in Diemen. With writer/poets Shantie Singh, Sholeh Rezazedeh, and Ingrid Mijnes, among others. Moderator/interviewer Ruthline Margarita.
I spoke about my project and book ALA SMA TORI – Keti Koti Verbeeld: showing some of the portraits I drew/painted with pen and watercolor, reading Clayde Menso’s tori (=story), and showing some of the cotton cloths with sayings that represent the core of each of people’s story in the book. Each saying has been painted with ink that I made from materials appropriate for those individuals.

Photo 1: For example, the saying on the first cloth (first photo) is made from the bark/leaves of the tree Kyara Wolf is standing in front of: We are happy, because our ancestors fought so that we can now walk freely. She is wearing a native headdress and shawl.
The text on the second small canvas, by chef Nathan Meijer – who helped cook the heri heri meal for Free Heri Heri For All – Knowing your history gives you self-worth. I painted this text, at his request, using ink made from chocolate.

Photo 2: My sales table with the books and the portrait of Marian Markelo, aka Nana Efua, winti priest.
I hold up portraits for the audience, including that of Hanne Kerk (bottom left). It is so nice to still be in touch with so many people!

Photo 3: At the end, I showed the large canvas (mamyo) with all thirty sayings, each painted on different cotton fabric with different, homemade ink, from thirty people. Different people, different sayings, brought together around a shared history.

Photo 4: Afterwards. All the writers, organizers, and staff together on the stage, beautiful flowers for everyone, and applause.

Photos 1-3 with thanks to Katelijne Brouwer.
Photo 4 with thanks to Shantie Singh (‘s family)