Using Art to follow your Heart

Today is a good day. Not only is it Friday but my painting also arrived from Rwanda. Regular readers will know that Joan and I practically lived in the Bourbon Coffee Shop in Kigali, where we would work well into the night on the Shared Interest project.

We fell in love with the beautiful, unique paintings covering the walls, and always keen to help a struggling artist we finally managed to track him down, hear his story and of course buy one of his creations.

Had Pascal Bushayija’s father had his way, he would now be a doctor or a lawyer. But Bushayija followed his heart instead.

I decided there and then that I would like a copy of the painting that was on the wall directly opposite us, so I asked if he could make me a copy and wasn’t quite ready for the response that I got....

After a flurry of hand gestures and loud French, I kind of got the feeling he wasn’t too happy!
Joan kindly translated for me and it seems I had unknowingly offended Bushayija. He asked why I would insult his work like this by asking for a copy, didn’t I want something original?

He then went on to conduct what I can only describe as an interview, questioning me about my life, my home and personality and said that he would create something that would reflect this.
I explained my love for his country, my passion for the work that I do with both handicraft makers and farmers and that my house was quite similar to the coffee shop we were sitting in – covered with African handicrafts. He then smiled (which was a huge relief to me!) and agreed.

Never in my life have I had to persuade someone to paint a picture that I will would actually be paying for.

Bushayija told me that the main inspiration for his work is everyday life in Rwanda. Since I had shown a love for his country and his people, I apparently passed the test and the prize was receiving a one-off painting of my own.

And today that piece of art arrived. I have to say it was well worth the wait and the ’interview!’ Bushayija’s own unique style, integrating three dimensional objects such a millet grain, tree bark and sawdust has resulted in a superb picture – a great reminder of a fantastic trip and an inspirational artist.

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