on the rez

we have put in one day at the clinic in porcupine. several problems needed ironing out and myself and a colleague had to go  down to the town of pine ridge where the indian health service hospital is located to straighten out some problems with credentials of the physicians and computer access. it usually is but a 30 minute drive, but construction turned it into an hour stop and go. the only reason i bring this up is that no painting occurred yesterday and i fear none will be done on this trip, but a number of old friends stopped by once people found out that we were back in town. as we sat talking they were very gracious in letting me collect several candid photos. some will make good subjects for paintings. one woman, who i met on our first trip out here 2-3 years ago insisted on taking off her glasses and posing. she was next to a window where bright sunlight was streaming in. what i got was a very regal pose in almost rembrandt lighting of a lakota elder. she looks very classically sioux and i and she were happy with the photo. i should see her again today and will ask if i can post it here. she already knows that i am going to paint her as a subject and she bargained for a painting in exchange for the pose. so i will probably post a few more times while we are out here but it will not be painting as i will probably not get back to that until i return to la crosse on friday night.