The featured artist, Siyabulela Qaka, is 37 years old and sells The Big Issue magazine full time. He has recently completed a course as a computer technician at Silulo Ulutho Technologies.
Siyabulela Qaka
He received a bursary for this course and is currently looking for work in computing.
He loves the art and writing classes as it gives him the opportunity to express himself and it’s also a way to get away from day to day struggles. The inspiration for his paintings come from the world around him. Of the painting here, “Stars”, he says: “The stars are beautiful and I love staring at the night sky.”
The Big Issue offers vendors therapeutic art and writing classes as part of its social development programme. They are taught by artist and facilitator Elaine Millin. These artworks are later proudly displayed in The Big Issue’s on-line gallery – and are for sale. Get your own original artwork for as little as R250, unframed. Visit Vendor Art.
