“Big Boyfriend” (Portrait of Cris Rivera and Kingsley; North Carolina)
Pencil, Pastel, and Watercolor
2014 (NFS)
I’ll admit it…I’d known Cris (marginally, at best; Cris is younger and a much more public figure than I could ever be) for more than a few years before I finally got around to predictably stumbling before I finally apologized and asked “What ARE you?…You have the most perfect skin I’ve ever seen on a human.” She smiled and mildly replied “Oh….Filipino”.
I’ve painted her at least three times since then. I gave each painting to her as a gift. She (and her partner) just radiate joy, as far as I can see. They’re rabidly (and INSANELY, as far as my fat old ass is concerned) consumed with hiking. Who the f***k needs to walk that much?..get a car…but what would I know?
Aside from that, Cris is sincerely and surprisingly (for me, at least) and refreshingly clear abut her work in the ministry (which includes gay youth). I don’t pretend to know her well at all, but I admire her and her work greatly.
I read her postings on Facebook, and they always make me feel hopeful.