Artist Shane Record has spent most of his adult life as a professional artist, running a studio gallery in Folkestone for 20 years. About five years ago, he started baking vegan cinnamon buns every Sunday for his children. This activity eventually led him to hand out buns to people facing homelessness, an experience that inspired a series of portraits. Over time, Record got to know many of these individuals well, learning about their lives and struggles.
Record's project began after his friend Jamie, who was experiencing homelessness, suddenly died. He then learned about the high mortality rates of people experiencing homelessness and decided to create a series of paintings to give them visibility. Record hoped that this project would help put pressure on local services to provide more assistance. He got to know each subject well, finding out about their lives, and most were understanding of his intentions.
The subjects of Record's portraits are dogged with health problems, both mental and physical. Despite this, they were genuinely understanding and happy to be part of the project. One subject lost his mother, job, and flat all in the same week and had a breakdown. Another came to the UK on a small boat, escaping war. Record's portraits capture the warmth and hope that shines through in the faces of his subjects.
The response to Record's work has been phenomenal. His friends experiencing homelessness have loved seeing themselves captured in oil paints and have brought their friends to look at the paintings. The project has been a moving experience for Record, who has real respect among the homeless community. He has received countless comments from the general public in support, with some donating to The Rainbow Centre or volunteering.
Record's exhibition, called Facing Up, is showing at Afsana Gallery in Folkestone from November 20 to December 17. The exhibition features his portraits of people facing homelessness, which will be for sale along with some prints. Record will donate 15% of the exhibition takings to the homeless, splitting the sum between The Rainbow Centre and Big Issue.
One of the portraits, of a homeless friend called Matty, was painted using water on colored paper, which darkens when wet. As it dries, the portrait disappears. This piece will run on a video loop during the show, serving to question how willing we are to remember people experiencing homelessness. Record believes that art can be a force for good and that this project can make a difference.
The project has inspired people to take action, with one woman excitedly sharing that she now gives books to Rob, an avid reader who is homeless. Record's work has shown that even small actions can make a difference in the lives of people facing homelessness. The exhibition provides an opportunity for people to engage with the issue and support those in need.
Key points
- Artist Shane Record's portraits aim to give visibility to people facing homelessness.
- The exhibition "Facing Up" will donate 15% of its takings to support the homeless.
- Record's project has inspired people to take action and support those in need.
