Viva La Revolution

It took me quite some time to finish my t-shirt design for my “Revolution of Love”, but at last I did complete it. I was taken out of my groove by one of the young girls here who asked me to draw a picture for her. I agreed before realizing what she wanted and what it was for. My mistake!!!

The first image, there would be 7 in total, was of Jose Joaquín de Olmedo y Maruri who was President of Ecuador from March 6, 1845 to December 8, 1845. While working on the imagine I checked him out, discovering him to be a very interesting man, a good leader. His reign was short, but I felt he was someone who would make a good president, even today, perhaps especially today! The request to draw him came on a Saturday with one other which was to do a graffiti image of her name. I started with the name because it would be colourful and fun for me, not yet realizing this was a school project I was participating in. She came to see me in the afternoon, when I learned the drawing of Jose needed to be done by Monday.

I am all for helping people, do not have an issue with drawing for free, however this situation began to feel awkward for me. This type of drawing would normally take me at least a week to do, taking my time essential in order for me to be satisfied with the details required. I did not keep the photo I took of the finished piece because I was not happy with it. Rushing to finish by Sunday evening meant letting go of my requirements to do the best job possible – this was not it.

I had until Wednesday to finish the name drawing, a much easier and definitely more forgiving image to complete in just 2 days, I was still pushed for time, spending most of those days and evenings to do so.

At this point, I believed my commitment to her was finished, something I learned as I handed her the finished image of her name, was not the case. She next asked me if I could draw a picture of her. I should have learned by now to ask before accepting, how much time I had, but being the ever helpful sort, I did not. She needed the picture by Thursday, so only one day to complete this one. Quite the challenge – this girl obviously does not understand the time required for someone of my limited abilities to accomplish such requests!!

Thursday, she asked me for 3 more images, but I had until Monday to finish them. Whoop, whoop!!! Well, all I could do was try, I had come this far. She promised to help me after school Friday and over the weekend, which I thought would be beneficial. It seemed to me if she coloured the image I drew, she might begin to understand the amount of work involved. However, she was nowhere to be seen until late Sunday morning. There was 2 gentlemen here visiting from the city, and there were parties until 4:00 am both Friday and Saturday, so not much sleep. I spent most of Saturday as well as Sunday morning talking to the gentlemen as they were most interested in my story – more on my visit with them down the road…..

I did not take a photo of the landscape she asked me to do as it was really was awful – meant for the trash. The only picture she did actually help with was the one of Picachu which was meant to look like a tile mosaic done with paper. She sprung this one on me Sunday afternoon, so I passed it on to her. My scissors and glue have still not been returned and I suppose they never will be. I did not see the finished image, did not ask for a photo because I thought it was a stupid idea, ruining the drawing I spent time on.

It was my understanding I was now done, but she sprung one more on me – Che Guevara. I said there was no way I could do a proper job of his face in just a couple of hours. She seemed shocked I would say no, but said after a few minutes, said it was ok, she understood. While I was working on the landscape, cursing as I attempted to do a decent job of it, I had a lightbulb moment for El Che.

A simple drawing of the famed man, no real detail. I managed to get it done in the short time given to me and handed off the balance of my commitment. I have not spoken to Odalis since competing her assignment, which I understood would be hanging in a gallery of sorts, each student accomplishments on display at the school. I asked her if I could go see them, she promised she would get permission for me. This never occurred.

I was left to wonder after this experience, about ideals and principles. Did the school not realize this was not her work? As a parent, I would never have allowed something like this to happen, but they seemed to think it was great! Did she take credit for my work? I will probably never know, but I have my suspicions. This experience combined with other situations leaving me feeling a bit used, has pushed me further into my own space. I have been enjoying making my own meals, my ability to cook a bit limited, but non the less satisfying.

I do not wish to carry bad feelings towards the family, it is just not comfortable to spend time with those who do not fully appreciate you, if at all. I do miss Maria, Javier and Abel, our cheerful meals together, the sharing of life’s moments and the respect we had towards each other. It is not the same here now, but still I love my simple home, the beauty surrounding me and my companions. There is much to appreciate about my life here and be grateful for.

I took a break from drawing during the next few weeks, getting back to it only a couple of days ago. It felt good to work on my own idea, one for me, no expectations. Working on my slighted feelings, as I sit by the river or go for a walk, has been beneficial as well. One can’t just ignore those you live close to, but of course a bit more space, control over my time spent with them, and an understanding within me I must respect myself, all very important thoughts entering my mind. Life is good…..