Treffen Sie den Korrespondenten: Fred Baele > Harare, Simbabwe

My name is
Fred.

I have found peace in drawing for as long as I can remember. Some years ago, when I
started working, I stopped drawing regularly, then altogether. I had many
excuses: kids, responsibilities, things… but I just really lost something
within myself. I only started back sometime in 2012. All this to say that I am
still recovering. It sounds like a dirty confession.

I am a social worker, living in Harare, Zimbabwe, with my wife and children. I am entrusted
with a job that takes me all over the world: often in places that are off
touristic maps, sometimes they make the news, or not anymore.

I have an amazing
job. I meet people who show, every day and everywhere, the essence of human
beings: empathy, love, compassion, whatever you call it. It’s not what’s shown
on TV. It’s real life, it happens all over the world. I think that I have
the chance to be a witness. My sketches are my stories in that way.

Sketching helps me to pay attention to small things and focus. It’s my meditation and way
to chill. I love to look at people, to catch them in airports, planes, bars,
schools and other places.

I am always up for a beer, a conversation and storytelling (in image or words)!

I am very honored to be invited as a correspondent and hope I can bring something positive!

See more of Fred’s work on his Blog.