#mentorfromafar

So Mr. Thanasis; Papa 2 as he is fondly called by the workers, was like a father figure. Really got his hands dirty and was compassionate about the workers. Every ready to pour out from his experience to develop the ones he supervised.

Though he wasn’t fluent in English, I noticed something shocking...he and they guys he worked with at the pit had some kind of sign language they’d signal each other from a great distance and immediately info was clear...no need for words. I was like wow! now this is a jedi ...I’m trying to get people who even have masters from the abroad to understand my own ‘kenkele’ hand gestures and we are struggle with ‘come agains’...this baba dey do am to awon loki and they gerrit. kai! twale....

This images were taking on his last day at the quarry. Up until his ride 30mins to his ride for the airport, he was still working like he was still a staff. People we still wondering if he was still leaving or he was pulling their legs. Never, seen such dedication. The mood wasn’t upbeat that day....cause Papa 2 was gone.

Of all the gentlemen, Andreas was literally the last to connect with. I think it was more from the perspective where he wondered what my place was in all of this...or maybe he just wasn’t that into people. I always knew I’d get a push back and cold shoulder from him...and I kind of got used to it but didn’t relent. Eventually, the wall was broken (I’m assuming there was one...for all I know, he must have thought there was nothing).

I think it must have been after he saw the pictures I had taken of Mr. Minash. He got so excited and animated that I was surprised to see that side of him. Everyday afterwards, I was greeted with a smile. (before then...I guess I thought I was thin air...like I said, this was what was going on in my head)...Andreas, in case you’re reading this...errr...I’m sure you understand...and know what I’m talking about...lol!

So one day, he tells me..”kunle, you must take a portfolio for me with lots of pictures like Mr. Minash” . Reaching to his phone and showing me, he goes on to say “look, on my phone I don’t even have pictures of myself, I just can’t do that selfie thing” (more like - with the kind of personality I have, I can’t be caught dead taking a selfie or posing for someone’s camera phone...so beneath me! *raising chin*) ...I must say again, that’s my own interpretation...pls I can be so imaginative so abeg leave me, its my story so you only get to hear my version. Once more Andreas, if you’re reading this...errr...you know that’s my only opinion on the reason why you don’t have any picture of anybody on your phone excepts pictures of damaged parts, equipment problems, etc. (oh gosh, I’m sure you’d have my head after reading this..lol!).

Anyway, back to my point before I got distracted...So I said not to worry, kapachao and I would see what we can do. Then he goes on to say one more thing... “Please I’d like them in black and white. I think B&W makes powerful profiles.” Oh boy! several creative sparks went off in my head...this guy has just made my day! (my dream couple will be the one that would allow me to deliver their wedding photos in B&W...hmmm... that will be the day).

So I just kept imagining the texture that would suit him, context, etc. So I told him that he shouldn’t worry I’d get those images...and I don’t want him interfering with the types of images I would create but let me have the creative freedom to capture what depicts him on a typical day. So I waited for a few days to go by so he was less aware of me and Kapachao or maybe he must have assumed I was never going to take his picture. 

Here’s the result of me sneaking up on him...him not noticing...him noticing...him trying to act like I’m not there...but can’t...lol!

Quarry Chronicles ...5: Not such a random thought