Vendor artist Steven Roberts is featured this month.
Steven Roberts, 30, is a self-taught artist. He’s been homeless for nine years, but recently started living with his sister in Khayelitsha. He has been a Big Issue vendor for five years and enjoys the work that he does.
“Selling the magazine helps me support myself. I hope that one day I can live on my own,” he says.
Steven describes himself as an artist because he believes that he has a natural talent. He enjoys The Big Issue’s art workshops because they give him something to do. “The class is loads of fun,” he says. “It keeps me busy and I like getting my work out there for people to see. I hope they enjoy it.”
You can find Steven at his pitch on Bowood Road in Claremont.
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. The artworks are proudly displayed in The Big Issue’s online gallery – and are for sale. Get your own original artwork for as little as R250, unframed.
Visit Vendor Art.
