Ethiopian Angels and Paw Prints

I had a lot of fun this past week painting the Ethiopian angels on the risers of the stairs. Being quite low, I had to lie down on the sidewalk to get the right angle, for the angels. The angelic faces that cover the walls and ceilings of most orthodox churches in Ethiopia were the inspiration for the stairs. I had taken a few back with me during my many travels to Ethiopia these past two years, small wooden angels and some made out of goat hide, brightly decorated with their solemn faces set between spreading wings. Many people comment as they pass me, lying on the sidewalk painting away. It’s always positive comments and I can

feel a sense of excitement by my neighbors and appreciation for making the neighborhood a little brighter. One of my neighbors, Nick, thought there was something wrong with me as he came home from work and ran up to help me, thinking I had fainted or fell in front

of my stoop. The best comment was form some Brooklyn wise guy who walked by and said “Oh I see you do your best work on your back,” to which I replied “Yes just like Michelangelo,” missing his sly humor. It took me a moment to realize what he meant and I let out a good laugh at that. I didn’t get to finish the angels before I left for Ethiopia, but not all art must be rushed and finished in one sitting. Possibly I’ll get some more inspiration while in Ethiopia this time. Before I got on the airplane however, I took 45 minutes to unwind, reflect on leaving my house for two months and

paint some cat paws on the top of the main wall. I just needed to complete one more thing on the mural before I flew off for work to Africa. Even Lulu got to participate, leaving her paw prints on the wall. She wasn’t too excited about the whole thing since I woke her from a nap to come have her paw painted lavender. Still she managed to get some good impressions of her right front paw on the wall before I washed her paw off and let her continue her nap.

She left me with a big scratch on my palm as a way of saying “Don’t forget me.” I won’t forget you Lulu, and I’ll be back soon.