Living on the streets is a constant struggle for survival. For those who have experienced homelessness, it can be difficult to find hope or meaning in such a harsh reality. However, for artist Lee Godie, being homeless on North Blair Street became a catalyst for her creativity.

Godie was an unconventional artist known for her self-portraits taken with a Polaroid camera and then hand-colored. She spent most of her life living on the streets of Chicago, where she would often sell her artwork to passersby in order to make ends meet.

But what made Godie’s art unique wasn’t just the medium or subject matter, it was the way she embraced her identity as a homeless artist. She didn’t shy away from her reality or try to hide it in her art; instead, she fully embodied it.

In a sense, Godie became her own work of art.

The Power of Embracing One’s Identity

Some may view being homeless on North Blair Street as a source of shame or embarrassment, but Godie embraced it as an integral part of who she was and what made her art so powerful. By fully embracing and embodying her identity as a homeless artist, she challenged societal norms and expectations.

It takes courage to live authentically and unapologetically, especially in the face of adversity. But by doing so, Godie was able to create art that not only reflected her reality but also transcended it.

Art as a Means of Survival

For many individuals experiencing homelessness, art can be a means of survival. It provides a source of income and allows for self-expression and creativity in an otherwise difficult situation.

Godie’s story serves as a reminder that even in the most dire circumstances, there is still room for beauty and inspiration. Art has the power to transform not only our surroundings but also ourselves.

The Impact of Godie’s Legacy

Today, Godie’s artwork is celebrated and recognized in galleries and museums around the world. She has become a symbol of resilience and determination, proving that even in the toughest of circumstances, one can still find purpose and meaning.

Her story also sheds light on the issue of homelessness and challenges societal perceptions of those who are experiencing it. Through her art, Godie humanized the homeless community and showed that they are more than just their circumstances.

In Conclusion

Being homeless on North Blair Street may have been a difficult reality for Lee Godie, but she turned it into something beautiful and meaningful through her art. Her story serves as a reminder of the power of embracing one’s identity, finding hope in unexpected places, and using creativity as a means of survival. So let us remember to never judge. As we pass by those living on the streets, let us see them as potential artists, poets, and creators – individuals with unique stories and perspectives. And let us continue to support and uplift artists like Lee Godie who inspire us to see beauty in even the most unexpected places. If you ever walk down North Blair Street, take a moment to appreciate the art created there by a woman who truly made herself a masterpiece.

“I am an artist!” – Lee Godie

Also read: 5 Shocking Artworks That Rocked the World