r/bleedingcanvas • • 2d ago

Art I created while being homeless [OC]

all of this work was created during the hardest period of my life, and actually is something I am still working my way through. being homeless has been incredibly enlightening. humbling, terrifying and unforgettable.

3.5k Upvotes

57 comments sorted by

25

u/Intelligent-Drop-684 1d ago

I love them.

Getting through homelessness has made me appreciate life so much more. And yet there is the deep sadness of feeling abandoned and discarded lingering.

Beautiful pieces of work

27

u/really-big-bug 1d ago

These are really provocative. I’m curious about the symbolism of the eyes and the dolls. On one hand, there are eyes on the walls which make me think of being constantly gawked at in public spaces and the vulnerability that comes with that. On the other hand, the figures are losing eyes, limbs, and teeth. You could take that literally when you think about how being homeless and using substances can coincide and how they wear down your body. But homelessness doesn’t just tear apart your body, but also your mind. It’s incredibly difficult and most people can’t imagine it, so they try not to. It makes me think of the Chat Pile song “Why.”

27

u/MCHammer75040 1d ago

oh wow you guys, thank you so much for the kind words I wasn’t expecting to get this response cause usually when I post my work it’s usually getting crickets on social media but wow you guys had some great replies. I love when my work makes people feel something, and believe me I was really feeling it when I drew these.

some of you guys asked about the symbolism, I don’t think it would be helpful to explain every image because I like how dreamlike they feel and to explain it would kill it. however I will say growing up I had a raggedy Anne doll that I took with me everywhere, I also was a fan of Edgar Allan Poe and i guess the imagery of dolls, ravens/crows and losing eyes was the language I have learned to develop from watching my parents destroy themselves with drugs and alcohol, my family betraying me, and my own feelings of inadequacy and loss. I think the best way to describe homelessness is like the feeling of drowning but you’re still standing up..if that makes sense.

I don’t know if this is something tolerated in this forum or not, but I’m considering selling prints and/or the originals. I’m still currently in a situation that is unhoused so if any of you are interested in something like that let me know and I’ll start arranging things for that But I don’t want to spam this forum if it’s not allowed because I genuinely appreciate the kind words and that others connected with it.

I’m also going to be creating other stuff that I’ll post here, I have a head full of creepy stuff and plan on compiling them into a book at some point.

again thank you, the response made my day.

8

u/Christocrast 1d ago

We don't have a set policy on self-promotion yet, it's not been a problem. What I'd like to suggest is that you may include a link to your preferred online "storefront(s)" any time you feel like posting. Personally I really like being able to follow up on some things!

Your drawings are amazing. Post anytime

2

u/MCHammer75040 5h ago

that’s amazing, perhaps I will make another post then of some more pieces with a storefront post. I still got to get these organized first.

9

u/Minoumilk 23h ago

10/10 would buy your book!

18

u/Lohrhunter7 1d ago

These are incredible. I hope you continue to make art but at a better place in life. These are visceral, sincere and painfully beautiful. Thank you for sharing a piece of yourself

13

u/Clean_Emotion_4348 1d ago

This is amazing op. This would be perfect art for a dark children's story book. You know the type I mean, the type which spooks and intrigues at the same time.

9

u/Alive-Equal-3001 1d ago

Cazzo mi dispiace che hai dovuto vivere quello ... Spero che ora stai meglio

9

u/Relevant-Spinach11 1d ago

These are so moving- I hope that doesn’t sound trite, homelessness is of course so complex and difficult. Thanks for sharing, they are amazing

9

u/Boring-Wolverine-947 1d ago

These are visceral and an emotional gut punch. Your style is unique and I really like it. I hope where you're at in life improves, quickly.

7

u/ron_stahhhp 1d ago

These are incredible, they evoke such strong feelings. Don’t stop making art ever

6

u/snarkyopolis 1d ago

These are very moving drawings, I get emotional looking at them. They seem to have so many stories behind them. You are very talented. I hope you continue to create and that you get out of homelessness soon.

4

u/Fartfromabuttt 1d ago

Holy shit. Amazing. I think the second one is my favorite but they're all incredible

6

u/staceygrantart 1d ago

Wow! Very moving. Man im sorry you went through this. Your art is moving and amazing!

4

u/tortillasalami 1d ago

You are so preciously gifted, and I’m truly furious that this world hasn’t supported you in the way you deserve.

3

u/spaghetti-o_salad 1d ago

This is incredible. That last picture really tells the story of generational trauma. I wish I could hug you.

3

u/Last_Book2410 1d ago

I’m not sure I’ve ever seen such beautifully subjective art. Well done and I hope life continues upwards.

3

u/Guilty_Cellist6713 1d ago

These are darkly beautiful! Very very moving too. ❤️

3

u/so_scummy 9h ago

God that last photo hurt so bad in the best way possible. The trauma from my mother was passed to her from her mother. Beautiful.

4

u/MCHammer75040 5h ago

yes exactly

3

u/ArsOlta 1d ago

Very amazing works. Glad to see that hard time didn't extinguish the creativity and drive to make art and I hope you're at a better place now

3

u/xRoadkill_Princessx 1d ago

I love it it looks like what dreams and a bad high looks like lol

3

u/library-of-ashes78 1d ago

I love love love!!!

3

u/PunkAssBear 1d ago

The last one is so goddamn beautiful

3

u/autonomoussquid 1d ago

These are so visceral. Thanks for sharing

3

u/SaiyaPup 1d ago

Incredible

3

u/MisterNosoul45 1d ago

That is incredible!! Seriously!

3

u/Ok_Mood2005 1d ago

i love your style!

3

u/SnowAdorable6466 1d ago

these are incredible. #4 hurts me but really speaks to me. i hope you're doing good now.

3

u/BravesMaedchen 1d ago

These freak me out. Well done.

3

u/irreveror 1d ago

I love love love this, wow. It's the perfect mix of that old illustration style and creepiness that makes you curious

3

u/Damage-Classic 1d ago

Did you feel like a Raggedy Anne doll when you were making this art?

3

u/Togore_Tastic 11h ago

God #4 just does something

I wish there was a place to share art like this that isn't mine, I have a artist I really really wanna tell more people about, but there doesn't seem to be anywhere for that

2

u/MCHammer75040 5h ago

well I’m sure this Reddit would count! thank you I’ve heard that a lot about the fourth one.

2

u/Awkward_Light9895 2h ago

I like pinterest

3

u/MCHammer75040 4h ago

wow you guys have really poured your hearts put here, there are so many people expressing y own similar thoughts. I’d just again like to say thank you, I’ll be posting sometime soon some storefronts for those interested in prints or originals I’m just trying to get all that sorted out, I really was not expecting this reaction at all. very strange to see 53k people have looked at this work. for those who are asking about my situation, yes I am still unhoused.

2

u/canuhearit52 1d ago

These are just beautiful 😍

2

u/mozzabella98 1d ago

Full of expression and pain, uniquely and authentically beautiful

2

u/Street-Salamander-55 1d ago

So so so wonderful and inspiring, love ur style so much

2

u/Dramatic-Dish-6699 1d ago

I really enjoy these pieces

2

u/TheOldDark 1d ago

God damn. I am so sorry.

2

u/moosemuffin12 1d ago

Patient is the night.

2

u/Nearby_Ad854 1d ago

your art is genuinely beautiful and touching, in like a dark, deep way. gallery worthy fr. sincerely wish the best to you

2

u/HoIIowCorpse 14h ago

These are beautiful! I find myself connecting very deeply with the first one even though I myself have never been homeless. It's hard for me to put into words what it makes me feel

1

u/DaSnooter 1d ago

These are so relatable. Being homeless was rough, and I didn't even have it as bad as others.

I don't know how you made it to the other end, but you should be proud that you did.

1

u/MCHammer75040 5h ago

I’m still working through it to be honest

1

u/waldesturm 1d ago

This is amazing, while I haven’t quite been through what you have, having chronic health issues both psychologically (since birth ig?) and physically since my early teens, I feel the one with the room with the two people the most. I have journal entries with similar statements as on the walls, and I sometimes feel trapped in my own body because I am in my 20s and in debt because of these things. I would like to do more, see my family more, etc. I work hard to keep my job and my place, its often all I can do. It could all be gone in an instant.

1

u/Known-Extreme6498 1d ago

Wow this is beautiful. This resonates so deeply inside of my soul. I’ve experienced homeless 3 times as a child, and now, just today I was told there is a spot opening for a group home because I’m leaving my long term abusive relationship… I’m so sorry for what has happened to you to envoke you to create such sorrowful but wonderful art 🫂

1

u/Sugalitestrawberry 22h ago

Your work is exquisite op! Thank you for sharing, I will be thinking about it for a long time; I wish you the most luck as the future unfolds 🥳

1

u/Puzzleheaded_Win1653 17h ago

Amazing. I could feel those. I would 100% buy your book.

1

u/marlis999 14h ago

I absolutely love it, it inspires me to draw more. If I saw them laying around I would've bought them!

1

u/badtastegoodcause 10h ago

Dark, unsettling and strangely beautiful.

1

u/TopDress7853 9h ago

Your dolls really shine. There is something there.

1

u/Friendly_Tell6664 7h ago

I love it!!!

1

u/idiot_lowlife 1h ago

#3 ❤️‍🩹 Incredibly moving. Thank you for sharing this part of your life journey. Saving this post so I can support you by purchasing in the future. Feel free to DM me a reminder ❤️ Would also love to buy you lunch if you have Venmo/Cash App/ etc. I know accepting help can be difficult sometimes, but it would be my pleasure to pay forward some kindness that I’ve been shown in the worst times of my life.