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 Imagined: I showed some of the portraits I drew/painted with pen and watercolor, read the tori (the story) by Clayde Menso, and showed some of the cotton cloths with sayings, which represented the core of each of people’s story in the book. Each saying was 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 reques,t 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)