Tom - Portrait of a homeless man
by Kai Saarto
Title
Tom - Portrait of a homeless man
Artist
Kai Saarto
Medium
Digital Art - Digital Acryls
Description
Tom is a 53-year-old homeless man who has been living on the streets for the past ten years. He grew up in a rough neighborhood and had a difficult childhood, but he always dreamed of making something of himself. He worked hard and eventually landed a good job as a mechanic, but his life took a turn for the worse when he got into a serious car accident and was unable to work.
Tom's injuries left him in constant pain and unable to perform the physical tasks required by his job. He lost his job and soon found himself struggling to make ends meet. He was forced to sell his home and all of his possessions, and eventually ended up living on the streets.
These portraits capture the faces of a forgotten population, the homeless men who live on the streets of our cities. In the United States alone, there are over 500,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night, and a significant portion of that population is made up of middle-aged men. These men have fallen on hard times, struggling with poverty, mental illness, addiction, or a combination of all three. They are often invisible to the rest of society, overlooked and ignored as they struggle to survive day by day.
But these portraits give these men a voice and a presence, reminding us of their humanity and the harsh realities they face. They remind us that homelessness is a complex problem, one that requires a multifaceted approach to address. It's not just a matter of providing a roof over someone's head, but also addressing the underlying issues that contribute to homelessness in the first place. These portraits serve as a call to action, urging us to do more to help our homeless neighbors and work towards a future where no one is left to fend for themselves on the streets.
Uploaded
December 24th, 2022
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Comments (9)
BelleAme Sommers
This is so beautiful, exquisitely painted, and breaks my heart. It is so important that you have highlighted the issue of homelessness by exhibiting the human face/s, story/ies and soul/s behind this unacceptable crisis. People like Tom should never be left to perish in this way. I condemn our world for not prioritizing those who deserve society's aid and who have the right to remain in their homes regardless of their financial troubles.
Kai Saarto
Thank you, Tracy. I am honored by your words. I hope that the painting and the story give some perspective to the viewer. Maybe they realize that they are actually quite lucky, or that in different circumstances they might be in the same spot as Tom.
Tracy Male
Kai, you have painted this man so beautifully. He looks so real that I feel like I am standing next to him on the street. You have really expressed his sadness in his eyes and his mouth. I am so sorry for his harsh situation in life.
Dora Stork
Congratulations on your first-place win in the Painted People Kickoff contest Kai. Outstanding artwork! LF
Taphath Foose
CONGRATULATIONS on your FIRST PLACE win in the Painted People Kickoff contest!!! Also, a big CONGRATS on your Homepage Special Feature in the Painted People group!!!! Amazing work, Kai!!!
Kai Saarto replied:
Thank you so much for your kind words and congratulations, Taphath! I am truly honored and humbled to have received this recognition among the over 200 amazing entries. I am also very grateful to be featured on the Painted People group as well. Thank you also to all the voters who supported our painting "Tom: Portrait of a Homeless Man." It means so much to to have the opportunity to share the art and it's message and have it appreciated by such a talented and supportive community.
Hanne Lore Koehler
Magnificent capture and digital creativity, Kai! Wonderful touching portrait and description! L/F/Vote
Kai Saarto replied:
Wow, thank you Hanne Lore, I am honored by your words. I am a big fan of your work!
Greta Corens
Kai, a fearsome, magnificent, but sad story about a man whose luck ran out. But a splendid portrait. L/F x Vote.
Kai Saarto replied:
Thank you Greta, there are so many sad stories among the homeless and they should be recognized.