Saturday, 23 May 2015

23/05: The Big Issue

Just a quick post today

Mum-in-Law is still very poorly in hospital, but until she is free of pneumonia we won't know what can be done to alleviate the stroke symptoms.   She doesn't seem to recognise us when we visit although I remain convinced that coma patients can often hear, even if they don't respond.   We're visiting every other day so we get a break between driving 4 - 6 hours to and from hospital each day.

No sign of the overdue grand-daughter yet but we're on call to babysit the older grand-daughter and that can be anytime.

As we can't venture far from home/telephones just now I have started work on a drawing of a man I photographed a couple of weeks ago in Southwark when I was in London for the UKCPS Annual Exhibition.    He is a 'Big Issue' seller and was sitting on the pavement looking very pensive when I spotted him.    The Big Issue is a charity set up to help homeless people by 'giving hand-ups not hand'outs'.   Once they're enrolled in the scheme they get a 'pitch' of their own and a starter pack of Big Issue Magazines to sell.  Thereafter they buy the magazines at a nominal price and live on the profits they make when they sell on.   In addition they get access to health care, counselling etc., so its a brilliant, and well-known organisation.

Early days yet ... this is coloured pencil on light grey pastelmat paper



7 comments:

  1. What a wonderful idea the Big Issue is. Gives them some self respect. Good start on the picture. Sorry the health problems are still ongoing and that the new baby hasn't yet put in an appearance.

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  2. Hopefully the pneumonia goes away soon and then she can get help for the stroke symptoms
    I think the Big Issue is a good idea but the sellers around here can sometimes be a little pushy so people really just ignore the ones that aren't being pushy then. which is a shame since they do good work for people that need help

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  3. I know how these "up in the air" issues can cause stress so am glad you're working. Hopefully, it will help keep you from worrying too much.

    I really, really like this so far. Also like the idea of "a hand up and not a hand out" so think this is a great idea.

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  4. Love the portrait and subject. Hope things improve for your mum in law, it must be a stessful time.

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  5. So glad to hear some of the infection has worked its way through your mother in law's system, Sue. Hopefully she will come through this sooner rather than later. Babies come when they come, no? Love this man's jacket!!

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  6. So glad to hear some of the infection has worked its way through your mother in law's system, Sue. Hopefully she will come through this sooner rather than later. Babies come when they come, no? Love this man's jacket!!

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  7. An amazing portrait of this man, Sue!!! you're SO talented!!!!
    I hope everything works out with you and the family!!

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