Customs Market
Oil on Canvas 50cmx40cm

The road, a skating rink of mud after the morning rain. 4×4’s bouncing across the corrugations, motorcycles slaloming through the morass. Pedestrian gazing to the far side of the road like its another planet.

Quiet in Juba 3 this early, the sun fighting its way through the clouds, which are dark and threatening. Amongst the sound of birds, the mournful cry of the kukal.

A small painting of the kitten, hidden in the jungle of the garden, in Viviers. She provided us with hours of company and amusement.

Alongside the busses departing for Kampala from Juba, women sit on the edge of the road, their wares spread around them for the inspection of people rushing past. Their vulnerability and bravery, amongst the chaos, were the key elements I wanted to capture in my painting ‘Customs Market’, using a small canvas to emphasize the multidimensional constraints. Scarves providing movement and life to the painting.

Braai time with Sher working his Afghan marinade miracle. Interestingly, there were no women involved with the perpetration, cooking or cleaning up. Even the shopping was done by Sher and Yoga, who bargained their way through the market. I have so much to learn!

Lots of laughter from the cooks at the office, as they discussed the weekends football and the nutritional benefits of bananas. Cappuccino seemingly the most civilized way to accompany the signing of a gazillion contract document pages. Not sure my blocked sinuses and milk are a good combination?

Evening with Steve, his last before he leaves Juba Town. The end of of an interesting, and quite incredible 18 months where so much has been achieved. It was low key, with nostalgia intertwined with pragmatism. Reinforcing, again that the best part of this work, are the people we get to work with.