Advertisement
Art

Amy Richardson is stitching together a tale of homelessness

The Reading University student has been telling the story of late Big Issue vendor Mark for her final uni show

Amy Richardson’s uncle Mark sold The Big Issue in Kings Lynn. He suffered from mental illness and alcoholism throughout his life and died in 2015 while homeless.

Four years on, Amy is about to graduate in Fine Art and Psychology at Reading University. Using tragedy to call for change, Amy’s final show is inspired by her uncle.

Called There’s Nothin’ Soft About Hard Times,it consists of nine cushions highlighting the issues that lead to homelessness and exacerbate the situation, embroidered in a method that is like using a sewing machine as a pencil or paintbrush.

As Amy explains in the captions, each cushion depicts a scene from her uncle’s life.

See more atamyeliseart8.wordpress.com and in the gallery above

Advertisement
Advertisement

Support the Big Issue

For over 30 years, the Big Issue has been committed to ending poverty in the UK. In 2024, our work is needed more than ever. Find out how you can support the Big Issue today.
Vendor martin Hawes

Recommended for you

Read All
Artist Aasen Stephenson turns leaves into astounding works of art: 'Nothing beats what nature makes'
The Leaf Man at work in his studio
Art

Artist Aasen Stephenson turns leaves into astounding works of art: 'Nothing beats what nature makes'

Artist Ray Young: 'Our government is threatening disabled people's rights – there's no compassion'
Theatre

Artist Ray Young: 'Our government is threatening disabled people's rights – there's no compassion'

Remembering Tim Hetherington, a fearless photojournalist and friend who died in Libya
Photojournalism

Remembering Tim Hetherington, a fearless photojournalist and friend who died in Libya

Artist with autism uses drawing to make sense of the trauma of losing his home
Christopher Hoggins Roof-less eviction art book
RENTING

Artist with autism uses drawing to make sense of the trauma of losing his home

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue
4.

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue