The Artist and the Gambian Smiler

Blog Post # 11 -- Monica Rae

August 26th, 2020

I must admit, when the Covid pandemic first peered through the window in the Midwest, I was a skeptic. Not because I did not believe it was real. I had no doubt people were dying because of it and that measures needed to be taken. I was skeptical, however, of the fear that bled into the media conversation like wildfire. I also assumed, that the cows and corn that surrounded me would somehow temper Covid’s impact on our corner of the world.

Everything takes time to arrive in the Midwest. From movie releases, fashion trends and social issues to the latest protective eye wear for students using their screens for remote learning. When I settled in South Dakota over 20 years ago some stores were still closed on Sundays, songs I listened to were no longer on the top 10 list and fashion was for those who didn’t spend 4-6 months out of the year in snow gear.

And then the internet exploded. At the fingertips of everyone (including those who live in a state with one of the lowest populations in the country) was online purchases, Facebook and the latest news stories.

But even with this rapid transmission of information, the rural communities and states are like the middle child. We get the message—just not first…or second.

But eventually, we get the message.

This is how Covid came to us and why I was so skeptical at first. My mother relayed to me how it was already traveling through California, how schools would close, and people would lose jobs. I was thinking, ‘Well, that will not happen here.’ This is when living in the middle of nowhere had its benefits!

Or so I thought.

As March of this year arrived, I began to lose jobs. Each week another tug at the budget. I was not panicked but I did begin to wonder; how do I earn money in the middle of a quarantine?

As a model for the last 18 years I enjoy working on projects with artists in the comforts of studios and classrooms. Since this was not an option I began to think outside the box.

I threw caution to the wind and posted to Facebook a call to artists interested in Zoom modeling. What would this look like? I had no clear idea.

But sometimes you must take a chance. And sometimes that chance pays off in unexpected ways.

A local commercial, fine art, and digital artist, Kurt Holdorf had a mutual job loss experience and together we embarked on a Zoom portrait project that spanned miles…and an ocean.

We spent weekly meetings collaborating on portrait portrayals with stories of inspiration behind each sketch; the cowgirl with the unassuming glance, the turban wrapped around my mane of hair that took me to faraway lands, the off the shoulder stare—an image of true contemplation.

This ‘practice’ led to Kurt’s idea: We could do this with people all over the world! Masks were not necessary, but screens were. Screens and internet access would provide the social distancing and the connection we needed.

Kurt contacted a relative in Omaha, Nebraska who had a cousin that was interested. Kurt informed me we would be Zooming with a man in The Gambia.

(Umm…quick Google search…Where is The Gambia??)

I did my research and learned through YouTube videos why it is called The Gambia, instead of Gambia. The capital of this small west coast African country is Banjul, but the home of our new model was in a town called Brufut near the Atlantic Coast. As my knowledge of this country continues to expand, I am taken with the nickname “The Smiling Coast.” As though it is an unexpected glance from an unassuming neighbor you see for the first time.

It was a Sunday morning when the artist Kurt, his nephew from Omaha and his nephew’s cousin from Africa all appeared on my Zoom screen.

Introductions and pleasantries were exchanged. Thankfully, The Gambia’s first language is English, so I did not have to worry about looking stupid as I attempted a language I knew nothing about. I had my list of information to relay to the model regarding our project. I would narrate the exchange as Kurt drew.

What I had not expected, what I was not prepared for was the smile that would fill my screen all the way from Africa.

Alhagie, a man in his 30’s has chocolate skin that shimmers with shades of red. His eyes, like pearls and flattering facial hair surround a smile that captivates me.

His whole face lit up that morning, slight creases in his forehead and around his eyes gave way to a curious and hopeful mind. I hoped Kurt could capture that!

As a model I am usually concentrating on not moving! I get lost in a pose and hope my extremities do not fall asleep as I stand, sit, or lay for the artists creating an image inspired by what they see and the story in their mind.

But I had never been a bystander, watching the model become the piece. My excitement overcame me as I asked Alhagie question after question. I wanted to know more about his country, his home, his life. As I kept talking, causing the model to smile more than the artist wanted him to, I was inspired by a life an ocean away. I learned about his family, his job, and the weather in The Gambia. And then he revealed an image—a piece he had done! Apparently, when Alhagie is not modeling for artists in the middle of rural America he is creating his own pieces of splendor! And a month later I had the pleasure of sitting for this artist in The Gambia as he sketched my portrait—the sounds of his town echoing in the background.

About 90 minutes later, Kurt said the words, “I think I’m done.”

The model, his cousin and I were startled at first. Really?

Then in unison ‘wow’ was said by all as we admired Kurt’s swift, yet accurate depiction of our new Gambian friend.

Kurt’s skill is speed. As a commercial artist for years he has been trained how to seek out the story inside of an image. The way the eyes tilt in wonder or the way a landscape places you in the scene. He does this because he has the skills, but mostly he creates because it is his joy. Each piece is the melting together of what he sees, the story, and the experience.

This started as a search for ways to continue to earn a living at modeling while in quarantine. This became a collaboration with eager and talented artists. And now…

…it remains a window open to a world of possibilities larger than the one quarantine walls seek to define…

Even in the middle of a quarantine, taunted by the fear of the unknown, the unexpected can arise—adjustments to the budget, spare masks in my purse, hand sanitizer at the ready and smiles from the sands of Brufut…

DEDICATION: This blog is dedicated to Kurt, Assan and Alhagie.

To Alhagie, whose smile and spirit span the miles. His contagious hopefulness—a remedy for the soul!

To Assan, for being our gateway to The Gambia!

To Kurt, whose loyalty to me has made our work together more than a job—it’s a joy of collaboration!! Check him out here!! kurtholdorf.net/8020ArtProduction@gmail.com