WorldMags STREET ART. net
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DINOSAUR
BY ANDREW JOHN BRIDGER Andrew, 31, has struggled for many years with mental health issues. He lives in Devon with his father, who is also his full-time carer.“ After school my artistic skills were encouraged in care,” he says.“ I enjoy painting today because every piece of artwork is unique and provides a good way to spend time. Even if you are unemployed, like I have often been, painting can be a good way to occupy time and let off steam.”
BUY STREET ART!
You can buy prints of some artworks featured in Street Art through The Big Issue Shop. At least half of the profit from each sale goes to the artist. Order at shop. bigissue. com
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TRANSITION
BY CHRISTIE CASSISA Christie is a member of Centrepieces, a charity supporting people with mental illness. She suffered an abusive childhood, and as an adult has struggled with depression, alcohol and drug problems and homelessness. She discovered art in school as a means of expression.“ This painting shows a scene where everything seems dry and devoid of life. Through the door is the new life. You just have to choose to walk through that door and know you are strong enough to do it.”
GOOD MORNING LONDON
BY DELE OLADEJI
It’ s9aminthemorning, traic was chaotic – Horde of people on buses, trains, trams, bikes, motorbikes, cardrivers, walkerstoo – theairwasfresh, whif of perfumes, deodorants, and body oil. Trains were on time, multiple images flashes through the eyes of calm Commuters … Aldgate East! Mydestination – briskwalkdownto Dellow Centre – in the kitchen, hell was on fire, what a bright day, what a beautiful morning! Theheavensfell, itstartedraining. Thebrightnessisnowadeep heavenlygloom, thosebrightfaces were now distorted in my imagination Welcome London! What a great Cityyouare, whatagreathaven you’ ve become. Wecannowbeclowns to nature for sometime, in your gloominess, inyourpresence, inyourcall What a strange place you are, London, whatadiversecity, what alover’ snestyou’ vebecome – Good Morning! Goodmorningtoyou, LondonCity.
“ I hear voices – symptoms of my diagnosis,” says Dele, a paranoid schizophrenic who has lived in various hostels.“ I am a keen poet. Creative writing allows me to interpret every aspect of my daily life, and to understand the future from a creative, social and critical viewpoint. This poem was inspired by my observations of daily life in the City of London.”
Street Art is created by people who are marginalised by issues like homelessness, disability and mental health conditions. Contact streetlights @ bigissue. com to see your art here.
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THE BIG ISSUE / p16 / January 11-17 2016