It’s taken me a while to get this drawing up on the website. I misplaced it for a short time, and then, when I found it, I had to take a short break from posting in order to finish a work-related project. I’m glad that the pace of my job has slowed enough for me to post so many of the drawings I’ve completed over the last few weeks.

This drawings depicts a gentleman I encountered at Zocalo Cafe. He was kind enough to let me get ahead of him in line. I think he noticed how heavy my computer bag was on that day. In this drawing, I tried to capture his expression of quiet dignity and absolute non judgement. He seemed to be looking at me and the other customers with neither curiosity nor disinterest. He seemed more present in the moment than anyone I’ve encountered in a long time.

Ajuan Mance