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Betina Fauvel-Ogden and James Graham

Betina Fauvel-Ogden and James Graham. Video length: 1 minute 57 seconds

- Well, James is my partner's son-in-law, and I've known him for quite a long time. And I really wanted to paint him because he had an accident when he was younger, which decided him on becoming a paramedic and it was so important because he got burnt very badly, and he studied so hard, and I adore him, of course. And not only that, he's good looking. So it was so good. And he came and he agreed, and he was so good standing. He just stood like a soldier and gave me many sittings. And as a paramedic, it was really busy, so I was very lucky to get him.

- Really, my pleasure. I'd be honest, I was very nervous and very reluctant 'cause that's just not something that I do. I would probably prefer to be dealing with the major trauma right now than standing here and talking to you, I'd be a lot calmer and more relaxed. But I love Tina and anything to help her. And I'll say this, it was an absolute privilege to be painted by her, to watch her work, and it wasn't a chore for me standing for her. Watch her mix the paints and to watch her do what she did on the canvas, it'll be something that I'll remember and I'll always cherish. It was a privilege and in the end I'm glad I said yes because it was a great experience for me and I'll remember it for the rest of my life. I'm so grateful that she decided to paint me 'cause she's a brilliant artist and to see where it began and where it is now, I think it's just brilliant. So I was very honoured and very grateful so.

- Thank you James.

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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.

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