I went to Philadelphia. It was my first time back. A little known fact is that I was born there. I never lived there but for the first ten days of my life. My parents lived, for a few years after their marriage, in New Jersey.
From the 33rd floor of the Loews Hotel, home for the event and my lodgings.
The closest hospital of choice for my mother was across the bridge in Philadelphia. After she gave birth to me, she went back home and I went with her (I wanted to be close). So, for that brief stay, I became a native of the city and ever on was required to spell out that long word on every form wanting to know my beginnings. Mine and Ben Franklin’s. That’s him at the top of a spire. (Click the photo twice to enlarge, as with all.)
A child of Belarus, 8×10, acrylic (as are they all).
The event was a gathering of the United Bible Societies, a confederation of some 150 organizations around the world. It’s something they do every six years, this time with 500 men and women coming together for the sake of shared values, business and overall support.
The conference ran for five days, the first two of which I was set up in a rear corner of the proceedings, allowing me to listen in on the inspiration, challenges and intelligence while I painted.
A daughter of Zimbabwe, in as few strokes as possible.
I’m finding it quite amazing the things this artistic gift gets me involved in. Of course, they’d never considered having a painter in their midst. But through some mutual contacts, some creative emails flying back and forth to England and Skype calls to Australia, it all came together.
My choice for the child representing the multi-cultural U.S.A., a cowboy.
My goal (and my offer) was to make quick paintings of children for each member organization. That’s 150. Plus there were another 30 dignified guests visiting for the first two days, so there’d need to be paintings for them, too. That’s 180. I figured if I made 20 paintings per day, that would be 100 done in five days. Obviously I’d have to work ahead, and did.
From Uzbekistan. Sometimes a pre-painted background provided the harmony.
My approach was to work in acrylic and try to get each painting done in 15 minutes. I had a schedule to meet. Then between paintings there was research for the next one. Thanks to Google, I was able to bring up computer images from a given country in a moment in time. I chose the best one, without very much thought at all, and got the brushes moving again.
This and the following show the paintings as they came together. (Not shown are the 30 for the special guests, which were removed mid-conference.) I worked through a list alphabetically and put them up as I finished them. (Excuse the small shadow lines, cast by the push pins and overhead light.)
I must say the quick research I did for each subject added to my sense of world geography, the distinctives of race and culture, and in some cases, the pathos of the particular country. The poverty in some places was disturbing, and worse, the trauma; or children in places like Congo carrying automatic rifles they could hardly lift. I didn’t paint them.
There’s something about children that brings a smile. They’re little human beings, learning to be adults, trying to be happy as much as they can.
As you’d expect, not all the paintings came out as good as others. I could have wished all were better, but, hey, 15 minutes! I couldn’t bog down.
A rare moment with no one in the room, on the last day, almost all finished.
After the first two days, I was positioned in an ample “display area” where the delegates took their morning and afternoon breaks. Here I worked alone, though I had plenty of stimulation, including the company of people dropping by to watch and talk.
At the end of the last day, representatives of the organizations came by to receive their gifts . . . for that’s what they were, little mementos for their offices. Of course, many wanted to be photographed with the artist and it was all great fun. (Again, double click to enlarge.)
From Gabon and Cameroon.
I came across a frame store on the streets of Philly and picked up a couple just to show how a painting can look more complete when framed. The source photo from Gabon (left) was chosen by the delegate from there. I would have never tried a tongue-out expression like that, but now I like it . . . as does he.
Here they are, minus a few, and less the first 30, as mentioned. (Click to see it better.)
Was I tired by the end? No more than any other day. These projects can be energizing, particularly when working right among the people they represent and who will be receiving them.
Through it all, new friends were made. As one thing always leads to another, who knows where the next venture will be? As usual, there are ideas.
Next, though, Anne and I are off to France for three weeks, taking in all the aesthetics and history of that art-abundant place. Stay tuned.
9:20 am
These look great, Dad. Sounds like a great trip!
9:57 am
Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world — your wonderful paintings made me think of this children’s song learned long ago. They are beautiful faces.
12:02 pm
What a fun “little” project. sounds challenging yet exhilarating. I’ve always liked a group of theme work. Something about the commonality make the entire project very interesting. Have a fun trip in France. Can’t wait for your report!
2:27 pm
What a wonderful adventure in touching the various corners of the world.
3:00 pm
M also going full circle back to my birthplace n d Philippines to paint. Recapturing childhood in a beautiful way. Keep up d good work!
4:16 pm
You never cease to amaze me!
Susan Morrison
4:32 pm
Hyatt,
Beautiful children and they all belong to God. What a fulfilling experience to do such a thing.
Have a great time in Paris as you cruise around the world.
Becky
9:30 pm
What a feat, Hyatt! Most impressive.
10:58 pm
What a unique assignment and opportunity. I especially like the ones with hats and fun and crazy hairstyles. After working with children at Disneyland for years, I think I even recognized a few!
Well done !
5:07 am
What a prodigious output, Hyatt! Congratulations and Praise God!
9:40 am
utterly outstanding!
Truly amazed at the gift of God through your hands!
9:57 am
Hyatt:
That you’re able to encompass multiple objectives with such mastery (and personal satisfaction) is (another) testament to your ingenuity, creativity, originality and humility. Seeing this accomplishment, and otherwise knowing your body of work, realizing what assertiveness it required to even suggest an idea like this to a meeting planner, making the promise to yourself that while painting, you would be able to hear all the presentations, hats off to you! And it’s not the first time that you have done this. Never mistake not hearing from me as not being impressed on many levels. Can’t help but wonder if I am a stranger to my own life. With what you share in your blog, and what your life with Anne reveals, your life is explicably congruent, connected at what seems like every level.
Thank you, for sharing your explorations and adventures with us/me.
4:49 am
Absolutely stunning and so meaningful, Hyatt! Brings back so many warm and deep memories of CT2010! I still love and have the painting of an African woman that you gave me displayed in my living room! How wonderful to see you continuing to use your God-given gifts to bring glory to His name all over the world! A warm hello to both you and Anne…
2:14 pm
What a GREAT GOD we have! Thank you for using your gifts and talents to His GLORY! Our Creator God is SO creative and AMAZING!! Your work provokes the praise that He deserves! Beautiful work!
I Peter 4:10-11
7:39 pm
These are amazing! What a great gift for everyone.