Painted here is a spiritual healer from the lands of the Rio Negro people. I have never experienced a more composed sitter.  He exuded calm wisdom.  I could not help feeling his eyes were reading my soul. He barely blinked for three hours of preparatory colour studies before I returned to paint him.

These indigenous healers known as Kumuã apply the Bahsessé, a type of blessing specific to the region that evokes the presence of rainforest beings who hold all knowledge about humanity.  His headdress comprised of blue parrot feathers and there were alligator teeth around his neck. After the painting we dined on beju bread with a handful of sun-roasted ants.