Suranjana was one of the nurses I saw nearly every week for four months. She made an incredibly difficult time so much easier—just by being herself, laughing at my terrible jokes, and bringing light into those long chemo sessions. Treatment didn’t seem quite as daunting with nurses like her by my side.
I truly feel I owe my life to these nurses and the care, skill, and compassion they showed me. As an artist, the best way I know to express my gratitude is through paint, so this portrait of Suranjana is my small tribute to her and to all the nurses who helped me through.
I restored a vintage frame for the piece, repairing it by hand with wood clay and gold to give it new life—just as she and her colleagues helped restore mine.
I was deeply honoured that this portrait was preselected by the National Portrait Gallery for display.
