Jeff

Jeff is a nurturer. For years he has been a devoted partner to Melissa, his girlfriend, and together they have migrated from Florida to California, preferring the open streets to the shelters. A series of losses has taken their home, then their van they were living in, and now their health. Jeff’s foot is infected so badly it’s swollen up huge and he can’t walk on it. Yet, his focus is not on himself, but on gently caring for Melissa’s needs. He is solicitous, making sure she has what she needs. He extends his caring to those around him as he shares his simple snack, and he has a nurturing manner that reminded me of my own father. I prayed with Jeff for his foot, and the next time I saw him the swelling had gone way down and he was able to walk.

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Jeff  by Jason Leith

found objects, charcoal, etching

SOLD, Private Collection, Corona Del Mar, CA

Jason@sacredstreets.org

Saul

Saul is a complex soul. We have been getting together regularly for several years, and he’s always this mixture of sorrow and hope. We often begin our time together working through some ugliness or disappointment in his life at the time, but we almost always get to a point where he finds his joy, and we part with smiles and long hugs. Saul is not shy about expressing his doubts about God, which come out most strongly when he’s disconnected from his friends. He draws strength from friends who can remind him that he has a purpose and the whole world is not against him. There were several months last year when Saul was homeless, and no matter where we met up he would be hauling these two gigantic suitcases behind him. But, he persevered through that time, just has he has with countless other setbacks, and he is now employed and making enough to keep a roof over his head.

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Saul  by Jason Leith

found objects, charcoal, etching

available for purchase

Jason@sacredstreets.org

Skid Row Portrait #3: James G. Gutter Jr.

Making James Gutter's Portrait

James has been without a home for 30 years and is originally from Louisiana. It seemed he was the boss around that part of town as everyone was constantly asking him for questions and advice. Before i began drawing he said, “Oh, wait, let me get my real hat on.”After drawing James’ portrait, we set up his tent together as it began to lightly rain there on 5th Street. He told me his last name really was Gutter.

 
 
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Portraits On Skid Row

After years of contemplation, planning, and over-planning, I finally decided to just grab some basic materials, get in my car, and go. I’ve been trying to figure out how I could possibly use art with the homeless community for a long time now Continue reading

A Life Worth Looking At

First Ever Relational Portrait

(Archive from 2011)
 

This is Steve. He lives in La Mirada behind some restaurants on Imperial Hwy. There is a vacant field adjacent to the restaurant’s parking lot and at the far end of that field is a long, cinder block wall lined with overgrown shrubs and trees. At the right end of this overgrown wall sits a large storage container– behind and around this spot is where Steve has been living for the past couple years.

 
How I even found this man is a miracle in itself. He is so hidden away and out of public sight that most of his life is spent alone, looking out into the field. The morning I found him was not at all routine for me– after having breakfast with a friend at a local restaurant I noticed the field from the parking lot and decided to explore outside. I happened to notice him and his things as I was walking through the field and thought I should go over and talk to him.
 
I also thought that this would probably be a good opportunity to do a portrait of someone in need, like I’ve been wanting to do for years now. [read here] I was very hesitant to go over to him though– a lot of doubts came up in my mind of my ability, the safety of the situation, the timing, lack of art supplies– but I knew I had to put all that behind me and eventually I decided to go over and talk with him.
 
I walked back to my car, thinking about all this, grabbed some supplies to draw and began to make my way back to him. I decided to begin by first drawing this surrounding landscape and as I drew, I cautiously approached him.  From far away, I could see that he was cloaked by the shadow of the low trees, along with his piles of things, and was sitting, settled against the wall and wide awake, but without an inch of movement.
 
I said hello, and as I got talking to him I learned that he has been camped there for over two years, just trying to survive and stay out of sight from the public or the police. He has been living a life of addiction and leisure over the years, and as a result his senses have deteriorated along with his physical health.
 
I looked behind me and told him that I loved the place he had chosen to settle down. I showed Steve the landscape drawing that I had started and told him that as I was drawing and admiring the space I couldn’t help but notice him. I asked if I could sit with him and draw his portrait next to the landscape I had started, as he seemed so connected to the place.

He agreed, invited me to come sit next to him, and we sat and talked together for about an hour as I drew his portrait.

Steve & The Land

8″x 10″

graphite on paper

SOLD 

Steve is in somewhat of a hole now, and I know he will not be able to improve his situation, materially or spiritually, without someone coming along side of him. On a basic physical level, he kept on talking about how cold the nights were as the winter was approaching and mentioned his need for a blanket. On a spiritual level, I think he needs community and reorientation.

I am putting this drawing up for sale here on my blog for any one of you readers to buy. I am going to use the money to continue to come alongside Steve in his material and spiritual poverty.

25% of your purchase will be invested in
·       materials and time necessary to perpetuate the project.
 
75% of your purchase will be invested in:
·       purchasing a good blanket
·       purchasing a meal upon visits
·       supplementing the costs of transportation necessary to meet with Steve regularly
·       continuing to take time with Steve, and work towards getting him rehabilitated through the Orange County Rescue Mission so he can get his life back on track.
 
Your purchase of this drawing is not only investing in a meaningful piece of art, you are also investing in Steve’s hope for a better life.