During a trip to Brazil, I had a brief but unforgettable encounter with the man in this portrait. Despite the fact that we couldn’t communicate properly due to the language barrier, his presence was unforgettable. He seemed to carry his entire world in a shopping trolley, yet his poise, the strength of his gaze, and his inherent dignity shone through. ‘The King of the Road’ is my attempt to capture and honour the essence of our encounter. To make the piece more personal, I handcrafted the frame, ensuring that every detail reflects the profound connection I felt.