Dallaire-Preview.jpg)
Romeo Dallaire
Pencil on paper, 12 x 16", 2019
Lieutenant-General The Honourable Roméo Antonius Dallaire is a retired Canadian General and former Senator. He lead a UN peace keeping mission in Rwanda and attempted to stop the genocide which took place. He later wrote a book, "Shake Hands with the Devil", about the experience. He then broke the silence on Post Tramatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the military. He is now active in researching and implementing the reintegration of child soldiers into society.
For this piece I used Generals 555 layout pencil on paper, and a bit of white charcoal.
There were times while I created this piece that I felt like I was exploring a landscape of pain, sadness, and an indefatigable human spirit. While I was in the process of creating this portrait, I heard General Dallaire speak at a Remembrance Day event at Centre in the Square in Kitchener in 2018. I sat in a balcony with my daughter and so I had a clear view of him, and enjoyed capturing his essence, and I think I put it into my art.