The Three Dons – Nicaraguan Portrait Photography
During this summer I’ve spent several months in Nicaragua working on CBS Survivor, and in the course of my work I’ve had the priviledge to meet and work with 3 special characters, Don Gregorio the Master Potter, Don Edmundo the freight truck driver, and Don Salvador the welder. Please read on to learn all about these amazing fellows.
DON GREGORIO BRACOMONTE
Don Gregorio is a master of ceramics from the village of San Juan De Oriente. Descended from the native Nicoya tribe who were the original potters of the region, Don Gregorio is at the forefront of efforts to preserve the ancient traditions and techniques of pre-columbian ceramics.
Whilst out working the fields around his house as a young man, Don Gregorio unearthed several pre-columbian artefacts with his plough. Thus began a deep fascination with the skills of his ancestors, which drove him to park his plough and participate in a government funded ceramics workshop.
Twenty years on and Don Gregorio is now the talk of the town – When you go to San Juan De Oriente, home to most of Nicaragua’s potters, and you tactfully ask a non-potter the question “who is the best potter in town” most say with a hint of reverence in their voices…. “Es Don Gregorio – y vive ahi”
We made a film about Don Gregorio and his artistry – view it here
DON EDMUNDO JOSE SANCHEZ
We could tell this man has led an interesting life, on account of all the distinguished looking people that come up to him and warmly shake his hand in the local supermarket. Forever the driver, Don Edmundo insists on absolute control of the shopping trolley, until a person from his past emerges from behind a tower of Bounty hand towels, and we are forced to fend for ourselves as he stands and natters about daring deeds from a time very different from the Nicaragua of today.
Don Edmundo first learnt to drive freight trucks during his time in the army. Amidst the rubble and chaos of a stricken post-earthquake Managua, whilst some of his higher ranking officers were off looting shops, Don Edmundo and his team of soldiers turned their army truck into a makeshift ambulance service. Confronted with rife corruption amongst his commanding officers who were siphoning off army rations, lining their own pockets and letting their men and families go hungry, Don Edmundo took a stand against his superiors and ceremoniously turned his back on them during a passing out parade. He was promptly committed to a mental hospital, where most of the trouble-makers of the day were sent. Thankfully this sojourn with the insane was mercifully brief – and he was soon free to play his part in the fast approaching revolution.
DON SALVADOR RODRIGUEZ
Don Salvador soon became our favourite vendor in the whole of Managua after his simple workshop delivered an expertly customised portable fuel tank, on time and within budget. At over 70 years of age, we think it may have been a while since Don Salvador has actually picked up a welding torch himself, but he still clearly rules his steel shop with an iron fist.
Torn between a happy life in the country and a more affluent life in the city, Don Salvador was forced to sell the family farm to pay off his elder brother’s gambling debts, and moved to Managua many years ago to take up welding.
Due to his affable manner and incredible prices, we try to give his small workshop as many little jobs as we can, because sadly business does not seem to be booming for Don Salvador – who has found himself in fierce competition with all the other fuel tank workshops that have sprung up around him – many of whom seem to be owned by various members of his own family.
