Duerado K Handfield Memorial Mural

North Caicos, Turks n Caicos, 2021

In 2021, I was asked to redesign and restore a memorial mural that was originally commissioned painted by a different artist. The community felt that the mural did not accurately represent the man they wished to honor, as it looked cartoony and lacked his likeness. My task was to repaint the wall with a portrait that unmistakably captured his true essence.

Upon seeing the original mural, it was clear that it did not resemble Duerado. With only a few photos to reference, I embarked on a journey to deeply understand who he was, not just in appearance, but in character. Through my research, it became evident how beloved he was by the townspeople. He worked at the local grocery store, always ready with a smile and a helping hand, and his early passing left a profound void in the community.

The mural site, located next to his mother's house, held significant emotional value. I aimed to create something she could cherish daily, a constant reminder of her son. Duerado’s brother assisted me by setting up my scaffolding and allowing me to photograph him, as they had similar builds, which helped in creating a more accurate portrayal.

I started with the backdrop, incorporating beautiful birds and a heavenly center to frame Duerado. Given the limited photo references, I spent considerable time refining his likeness. My efforts were affirmed as many townspeople stopped by, often with tears in their eyes, to express that this mural finally captured the man they knew and loved—affectionately known as "Big Dude."

This mural was commissioned and gifted by a family friend to honor Duerado's legacy. His mother, overjoyed with the final result, affirmed that the mural was a true depiction of her son. The project brought immense satisfaction, knowing I could provide the community and his family with a lasting tribute to a man who meant so much to them.