The life of Doris Payne is the inspiration for this oil painting. She grew up with her native mother and her... Read More
The life of
Doris Payne is the inspiration for this oil painting. She grew up with her native mother and her black father who worked
during segregation in the coalmines of Slab Fork, West Virginia in the heart of Appalachia
in the US.
I saw years ago the documentary The Life And Crimes Of Doris Payne and read some months ago her
book Diamond Doris. What struck me the most is the moment when she speaks about
her experience in a local shop where she was subtilty pushed out when white
customers entered. The owner had forgotten she was still wearing the watch he
was showing her. In my opinion this is a life changing moment as she became
worlds famous jewellery thief from Monaca to Paris to New York with a special
interest in diamonds. For the painting I used the first mugshot of her that is
made on march 6, 1965. In her eyes I use Swarovski glass so you will see a
glittering in her eyes as if they are diamonds.
The reason
I have painted this portrait is because I want to tell her story and how circumstances
you grow up in will give your life direction, good or bad. In a world where
everybody is equal Doris would have had the change to use her talents in a
different way. Doris Payne is still alive and is now 93 years old.
