Unseen Art

UNSEEN

THE COLLECTION FROM CYR ST. OF JUSTIN

ABOVE: I have two pieces that make up the beginning of my series “Flying A Sign: Stories of Our Homeless Neighbors.” I love collecting people’s stories and I was inspired by the folks I worked with during my time in homeless services. I wanted to do something to showcase these homeless anthologies and invite others to see and experience the stories behind the people they may meet on the street. The title comes from “flying a sign” - a term used in some homeless communities to describe panhandling with a cardboard sign.

RIGHT: The Marilyn Monroe piece is one done by a man named Michael I knew from Our Daily Bread (ODB). He wasn’t a client of mine but I saw his work while I was there one day and desperately wanted it! He found the paper with the flower design on it and added the gorgeous Marilyn sketch. Pencil sketches were his niche and he had others including Tupac and Michael Jackson for sale. He’s one of the most talented artists I’ve had the pleasure of meeting.

ART

Homelessness is a draining existence. Daily life becomes much harder and the future at times can seem very bleak. Art gives homeless residents a way to feel human again. It allows for self-expression and the ability to be seen not as a homeless individual but as a talented artist