Homeless Artists: Tales of resilience, creativity

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This article was published 13/10/2023 (759 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A group of homeless artists is looking to redefine the concept of home through their artwork.

“I always wanted to be an artist, but I didn’t know how, I just kept doing it,” one of the homeless artists Patrick Lyons told the Sun. “I sell some of my art to people who appreciate it.”

Lyons said his journey has been marked by adversity, but that his determination to pursue his artistic dreams remains unwavering.

“I’m not a full-time artist, but I’ve sold a few pieces.”

Despite his homelessness, Lyons said he is determined to turn his life around. He plans to finish an art book, a novel-style picture book set in a post-apocalyptic world.

His message to young artists is simple but powerful: “Keep doing art, even if people say you suck. Don’t stop.”

Lyons, who is originally from Killarney, Manitoba, is actively working towards getting off the streets, submitting job applications, and seeking stable housing.

“I’ve been homeless for a while, but I’m not going to be like this forever,” he asserted. “My bounce-back game is strong.”

He added that artists like him strive to share their creative vision with the world, while navigating the challenges of homelessness.

“I feel like everyone has great stories, and everyone’s going through tough things,” he said. “But I feel like I have a story that I want people to hear.”

Alfred Gott, another artist in the community who has a background in the military, said that his life has taken unexpected turns, including experiences related to the “60s Scoop,” a period when Indigenous children were removed from their families and placed in non-Indigenous households.

“I remember growing up in Manitoba and experiencing sexual and physical abuse when I was seven years old,” Gott told the Sun. “I ran away when I was 11. I’ve been abused all my life. My grandfather taught me how to survive.”

Those teachings included how to stay warm when Gott found himself sleeping under a bridge.

Despite the hardships, Gott said he held onto his Indigenous roots and a deep connection to the land.

“Our nations are great. We are resilient. We stand the test of time repeatedly,” he said. “Despite the challenges I have faced over the years, I maintain a deep connection to my art and continue to create.”

Lyons and Gott aren’t the only artists in Brandon currently battling housing challenges, said local artist Chris Reid.

Reid, who has worked closely with homeless individuals, explained how she embarked on a project to capture their stories and experiences.

“I wanted to do a project about how people define home and what their concept of home is,” she told the Sun. “I started by interviewing people who had experienced homelessness and some of the people who worked with them.”

Reid said addressing homelessness is difficult given the complex nature of the issue, and that finding a solution depends on the individual’s background and experiences. She said that some people may seek to have their entire families around them, while others prefer isolation. Many struggle with addiction.

“There’s not one that’s going to fit everyone,” she admitted. “People have to really want to make a change in their lives.”

Efforts by organizations like Brandon Renewal Neighbourhood Corporation and Samaritan House Ministries are crucial in helping those without a home, but Reid said that support shouldn’t end once a person has a reliable roof over their heads.

“Once someone is in a physical address, the support network to help them stay housed is not always there,” she said.

BRNC executive director Rushana Newman, who affectionately refers to the homeless artists as “family,” explained that her organization helps these artists by connecting them with resources and referring them to services in Brandon, particularly through their Ask Auntie program. The program assists in getting essential documents like IDs and birth certificates, as well as providing access to MakerSpace where artists can work on their creations.

“There are artists who make products like graffiti-printed shirts or earrings,” Newman told the Sun. “We help them with these ventures.”

Newman added that the corporation also purchases artwork from the artists, including the beautiful painting that was used as the BRNC’s Christmas card last year. To her, this kind of support not only gives homeless artists an income source but also recognition for their talent.

She said that approximately 25 homeless artists in Brandon benefit from the corporation’s programs, including painters, beaders and stone carvers.

“The Ask Auntie program also connects them with addiction and harm reduction services, helping those struggling with addiction on their journey to recovery,” she said.

Newman said that one vital aspect of their work is preventing these artists from returning to harmful environments.

“A safe environment is crucial for those looking to overcome addiction and find their way back into society. All you need is a start. By offering support, we can empower these talented individuals to change their lives and contribute to our community.”

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

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