Artwork Explained: "DRC Nepal"

The ‘Artwork Explained’ Blog series is where I share a bit of information behind some of my Artworks. This can include the mediums used, the incentive behind creating them, the story behind them or what was happening in my world during that time. I take caution in not explaining too much about what the artworks represent, as I would like to adhere to my belief that Art is always perceived uniquely to each individual.

In 2017 I travelled alone to Kathmandu, Nepal, on a volunteering basis to work with children. I spent three weeks working in a primary school called “Lollipops”, with children aged between three and seven. During this time, myself and the other volunteers visited the Disability Rehabilitation Centre where we would simply play and have fun with the children. Originally I had thought my placement was going to be at the Disability Centre full-time, but I was instead assigned to the Primary School gig, so I asked both my course coordinator and the Chairman of the Disability Centre if I could utilise one of my weeks to paint a mural at the Centre, as opposed to working in the school. To my delight, everyone was on board.

Here is an excerpt from my journal of my first day painting at the Disability Rehabilitation Centre:

DAY 17, July 21, 2019 “I’m excited to spend the day painting at the orphanage- it’s what I’ve been most excited about for the past 5 months! I grabbed my case, earphones, water bottle and snacks, and got Breezy to write down the name of the place to give to the bus driver and went on my way. I had a feeling I wasn’t going to catch the right bus but tried anyway. I stood in the usual spot on the side of the muddy road, scooters and taxis zooming past, and waited as many buses came and went. I waited to see if I recognized any of the names being shouted out as fast as an auctioneer, then I’d show the guy shouting from the bus my piece of paper and each one would say no, tap the bus and drive away. I asked a local who was waiting to catch the bus if he could help me get the right bus and when he said, “that’s your bus!” I eagerly showed the shouter hanging off the side of the bus my note, he looked me up and down, said no, and off the bus went. I was so confused. The guy who tried helping me didn’t know English but I think it was something to do with my having too many bags. I waited a further 10 minutes, got fed up and decided to walk back to the volunteer home. I’d work on some more of my commission instead. I ran into Breezy and two French volunteers, explained what happened, and Breezy said he would help me get on the right bus. I walked back with them, Breezy told the shouter the situation, and we crammed into the crowded space, all eyes felt like they were on me with all of my cases and bags. It’s a very slow, bumpy trek- about 15-20 minutes and I recognized the greenery beside the orphanage and got up to go, and the shouter also motioned for me that this was my stop. I paid my 15 rupees and walked across the muddy road to the gate to the orphanage. It was about 11am and there was no one there except one older lady who didn’t speak much English, but she did understand that I needed to speak with someone from management, and that I was there to do some painting. I felt bad as I hadn’t arranged it, just rocked up unannounced. Soon there were 3 or 4 people all trying to discuss what I was doing and where. They had to get permission from the Chairman for me to paint inside, and soon it was granted- I was to be painting in the dining area. I was stoked because there was no other artwork in there- it was the perfect place to brighten up! Plus it was shielded by weather and all the children gathered there for meals.

I picked a wall under a small window where tables and bench chairs stay. The walls were white and stained but I knew it

was a good spot. I got out my printed sheets of Peter Pan and The Lost Boys and began drawing the outline while listening to my music. I had such a great time- it’s always so good to spend time alone with my thoughts, just creating.

I spent all day there and at around 3:30pm the kids all arrived home from school. One by one they came in unexpectedly seeing the artist painting on their dining room wall, and each of them let out a big gasp or “wow!” and it made me so happy! Soon I was painting with a group of children eating behind me and calling out to each other all kinds of Nepali kid-talk and I knew they were talking about what the story was behind it, who was which character and why, which one was the best, making up scenes as children do. It was everything I had hoped for. I got so many “it’s beautiful” comments and they loved watching my progress. I felt incredibly happy, but soon it was time to head home.” DAY 18, July 22, 2019 “I spent all day at the orphanage really loving being in my zone, painting simple colours and listening to music. Some house-staff came and went, all with very little or no English skills, but offered me tea, water and snacks. I thought it strange that none of the IDEX staff had arrived around the usual time for the volunteers to play with the children, so I decided to pack my things and head off to the bus spot. I was informed that Tashi (one of the IDEX staff members) was coming to collect me instead as all public transport had gone on strike in an effort to get their awful roads fixed- and I mean AWFUL! Massive, deep potholes scattering the roads and mud everywhere, sometimes we would drive under 10km/hour just to avoid whiplash.”

DAY 19, July 23, 2019 “Happy birthday, brother... Anill took me to the orphanage today as the drivers were all rightfully still on strike. I spent the day painting the rest of Peter Pan and the Lost Boys, Tinkerbell and Wendy.

At around 3:15pm the kids showed up and they ate their afternoon snacks while excitedly conversing about the painting. Unexpectedly, Tashi and Bishal (IDEX staff members) and some fellow volunteers showed up, so I was happy to know I would be comfortably catching the bus home with them instead of catching a taxi or calling Anill.” DAY 20, July 24, 2019 "Got to the orphanage by 11am and began painting Snow White dancing with her prince at the request of some of the young girls; I couldn’t say no as I’d painted one to satisfy the boys. It was only fair and I wasn’t going to complain about spending another day painting! It was raining a lot today and I listened to my 90’s playlist. One of the house mothers made me sweet Masala teas all day, offered me lunch although I had my own, and gave me packets of biscuits. They don’t speak English but are very hospitable and kind. Yesterday as I was painting I was met by the Chairman of the orphanage and he was very happy with the paintings. When I finished Peter Pan I spent time with the kids, mostly two young teenage girls who seemed to really like me- especially since they’d seen my artistic skills. Turns out gaining the respect of teenage girls is no easy feat regardless of culture! They fanned over my Instagram page and added me on Facebook and soon asked me to write in their journals- and I couldn’t have felt more honoured! They’re beautiful girls- I think they like having a female volunteer interested and engaged with them as the older kids don’t seem to get as much attention as the younger children. One by one they all started showing me their own drawings and I was shocked- they’re all so good! I wish I had more time to spend with them, drawing with them as they wished, but I had to go back to Lollipops (Primary School).

I want to leave here knowing I brought joy...

The girls took some photos on my camera of me beside my paintings and soon it was time to go. I spent about 5 minutes saying goodbyes- it’s getting harder now. Seeing their faces light up when they see me or the paintings brings me a huge sense of unique joy."

Without my journal excerpts it would be difficult for me to explain how I felt during my time in Nepal, because it was such a new and profoundly significant experience for me- one that I think about every single day. I would love to share more about my experiences in such a beautiful country, but in regards to my Artistic pursuit I am yet to feel such gratitude and fortune to be able to share my passion with others as when I did in Nepal.

Until next time, keep creating.

-Madeline x