Ummarid [Stranger #99/100]

 

This picture is #99 in the 100 Strangers Project - Round 2

 

Meet Ummarid

 

Was in Bethesda last weekend - hoping to be lucky and bring my round 2 of my project to a closure r at least move a step closer and lucky indeed I was.

The streets were crowded - I learned that it was a art/painting festival on the streets and despite the crowds Ummarid immediately caught my attention. Turns out he was a an artist seated on a chair outside a stall with stunning colorful paintings - that he and his girlfriend were managing.

 

I knew this was a stranger for the project - his Zen like vibe and his nonchalance and easy free flowing personality made him extremely approachable. "why not?" was his happy response when I made my request. From him I learned "Ummarid" is a variation of "Amrit" which is translated to "holy water" in Hindi which where his name had roots. He was born in Thailand but has been in the US for major part of his life - from the 60s. Painting has been his life - for well over 5 decades. Fishing is what he enjoys most besides painting.

 

A father to 5 children and a grandfather to 6 grandchildren - his advise to Ummarid 30 years younger would be "be a good human". HIs favorite quality of himself (his girlfriend helped us her) was his generosity and his kind soul.

 

Ummarid was extremely pleased he was number 99 - he said it was a powerful number with a connection to infinity. I am extremely happy to have you as my 99th stranger too Sir.

 

It was great to meet you and I wish you all the very best for your future. If you would like a hi-res copy of the pictures please drop me a line.

 

Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page

For my other pictures on this project: 100 Strangers - Round 2.

For pictures from my prior attempt at 100 Strangers: 100 Strangers - Round 1.

Done