Once I am back from work, I spend my time in painting. I make some money but for the IDP kids, I do it for free.
My name is Amir Jundi Sabri, I am from Nineveh. I left my home town and was displaced to Duhok six years ago.
Because of special circumstances in my life, I could not study art. I quit when I was in the secondary school, class 9. Still, I could develop my painting skills when I was in Mosul.
Four years ago, I was employed per contract by Duhok municipality as a worker. Following my daily shifts, most of the days I go to Newroz Park where I portray people in black white. Each sketch takes 30-40 minutes.
There are many IDPs in Duhok so those interested in portraits come to me. I draw them in a perfect way yet for the kids its free. I tell them there is no need to pay and it’s a gift since I am sure they don’t have enough money to pay.
I know how it is difficult and painful to be displaced. I am sure they passed hardships so it is important for me to make them happy.
Some people show me photos on phones to draw it. Sometimes I work at night as well so that I make some money.
Painting for me is a hobby before turning it into a profession and I never can quit.
