Three years ago, Martin Ebinu contacted me about his interest in art. Martin is from Kampala, Uganda. How amazing and exciting to find someone on the other side of the globe to connect with! We have had a periodic correspondence in which he has shared his desire to sell his art and support his family. I sent him books on making art and jewelry with recycled glass and found materials. I also sent him a digital camera. With this, he has sent me pictures of his paintings and batiks which are shown below. Martin also shipped to me one of his paintings, a beautiful piece now hanging in our home. A friend in Charlottesville recently travelled to Uganda, and I was able to arrange a meeting. She learned more about him. I am happy to be a part of Martin's life, and I feel honored to support him.
Martin grew up in a rural town called Anyara in Kaberemaido district about 400km from Kampala city . He has a disabled brother and three sisters. His father passed away, but his mother is alive and lives in her rural home. He has worked as a machine operator earning $180 a month. His life is a rough, hand-to-mouth regimen. He has a son and a daughter. He and his whole family live together. Martin was taught how to paint by a friend.
The title of the above painting is called "Bird Watch." Martin loves to sit under trees and listen to birds sing. "God is powerful. Just look at nature and see how organized it is." He is a brilliant artist.
