This was my contribution to Deans Sketchbook in a Sketchbook exchange, called Flying Moleskins, that I have participating in for the past year. He said we could put anything into his book and I always like to capture homeless people, so this was a great opportunity to express some of my deepest feelings for these folk. After working with them at St Mungo's for 9 years, I have met so many and understood so much about life on the streets.
This is a short poem I composed to express these piece in words.
My life is messed up,
not one more chance but the streets.
It's life, it's hard
there are no retreats
People come and people go
Nobody seems to want to know
I made the mistakes
it wasn't my fault
but I'm blaming no one
cos this is my result
Failure pains
Rejection hurts
Tragedy unresolved
Diverse problems of all sorts.
I am trying to make it
I wish I can
Give me a second chance
Trust me, man!
I don't deserve this
This is not my lot
But life ain't easy
Help me resolve the plot...!
-@Adebanji Alade, August 2011
Special Quote
"I continue to make paintings of people and their moments in our time because I am of that time. Out of that I hope to make pictures that are timeless." (Burton Silverman)
Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sheona!
ReplyDeleteMessed up! We should do a collabo!
ReplyDeleteWhy not Legz, why not! Let's hit it big!
ReplyDeleteFabulous mixed media piece Adebanji. I like the poem too, very poignant.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mike!
ReplyDeleteAs I've said many times before, your ability to tell a story through your paintings are what seals the deal for me, this one, for Dean, is no exception. Every day I drive through downtown Dallas and each day I see our homeless, sometimes the same people and sometimes there are some new faces. Because of you and your request we paint the homeless in your moleskin, I now SEE, whereas before, I did not see. Thank you, my friend, for giving me new eyes!
ReplyDeleteAngela, thanks, what can I say, thank God for the eyes he has given us to SEE! I pray we'll all be able to SEE for there is a thin line between all of us having homes and being homeless.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely sketch Adebanji and an equally beautiful poem. Very nicely done!
ReplyDeleteThanks Vinayak!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this heart felt picture, poem, story and quote. Touched my heart and confirmed a direction God is directing me in my life and my artistic endeavors. God bless you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Victoria! I am happy you've been inspired! I pray God will lead you on!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant.
ReplyDeleteThanks Fasi Arts!
ReplyDeleteThis is very powerful, Adebanji.
ReplyDeleteThanks Claire!
ReplyDeleteHeartfelt post and sketch, thanks Adebanji. A nice weekend to you and family!
ReplyDeleteThanks Pierre!
ReplyDelete