This project grew from an interest in people from all walks of life and the diversity of the human face. Equality and respect are important values to me, and I enjoy learning about different cultures. Drawing people from different places also deepens my understanding of facial variation, which is important in forensic art.
The portraits use photographs taken by me or by friends while travelling. The project also includes personal stories, including the story of Thorn Say Phuo.
In memory of Thorn Say Phuo
Thorn was a young man in Cambodia in 1971. He was well educated, had studied mathematics and had begun working as a teacher. When the Khmer Rouge took power in 1975, Thorn and his family were forced to move repeatedly to escape the violence and persecution of the genocide. They eventually settled in Finland in 1983.
Thorn was paralysed from the neck down because of a medical condition and relied on a ventilator for more than 30 years. He lived independently for many years with the support of a team of nurses. I came to know him while working as one of his nurses. His stories inspired me to visit Cambodia, where I saw the traces of the genocide and learned more about the country and its people.
Thorn’s patience and strength of mind stayed with me. Although he could not continue teaching in the way he had planned, I believe he made a lasting difference in many people’s lives. I wanted to honour him and his family through this portrait.
I had wanted to draw Thorn for several years. I made the portrait in pastel from a small black-and-white photograph, which made it challenging to capture his likeness. Thorn saw the portrait before he died and was pleased with it. His niece helped us share messages, and I will always remember him warmly. Thank you, Thorn.