A Devon-based street artist has created two unique pieces of art for youth homelessness charity, The Amber Foundation.
Nigel Extance, better known as NME, donated the two pieces – ‘Create Your Own Tomorrow’ and ‘The Future Starts Here’ – to the charity, which helps homeless and marginalised young people through its three residential centres.
The gesture was sparked by a visit to one of the foundation’s centres. Both pieces represent a key moment in the young resident’s journeys as they begin to take back control of their life through the programme, which builds on their skills, and self-confidence through training and support, enabling them to move on to further education, employment and ultimately, independence.
The completed works were created in NME’s studio in Teignmouth, and were presented to the residents this week during an interactive workshop, which saw residents and the artist himself produce a collaborative piece of art for the residential centre’s dining room.
The residents worked alongside NME and learned how to make, cut and use stencils. They all helped in the creation of the mural on the wall but also worked on individual projects using a range of NME’s original, pre-cut stencils and spray paint.
NME said, “I’ve really enjoyed today – I didn’t know if they’d be interested but they’ve been brilliant. I provided them with an opportunity and they responded with passion and creativity. I love what they’ve produced and I am so pleased that I could donate my time to help such a vibrant charity that is really helping young people to positively turn their lives around.”
