WorldMags STREET ART . net
S
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
S
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 .
�������������
THE BIG ISSUE / p16 / January 11-17 2016