Much to the dismay of those rushing to work or sitting in traffic, these individuals are persistent and their efforts can be unnerving. Unfortunately, most drivers keep their windows up and eyes forward at every robot as a result of this.
But what about the hidden talents on the street corners? The artists who cannot afford to go to an art school or the dancers with no formal training? On the corner of Republic Road and William Nicol Drive are four men who sell their beadwork for a living. They travel all the way from Johannesburg city centre to sell their work in the Sandton area. One of the artists, Edward, who didn’t want his full name published, said they only sold one or two pieces a day if they were lucky. He and his business partners rely on donations from their friends to buy the beads and tools for their work. He explained that many charitable people fund their work by giving them money. It is, however, such a pity that nobody wants to buy their work and Edward said they were always hungry and battled to make enough money to support themselves.
The prices of their work range from R100 to R400 depending on the size of the work. Many of the pieces are made of multi-coloured beads and it is clear that it takes a lot of intricate work to make the beaded animals. Edward confessed that the majority of the people who pass by have no interest in their work – they do not even slow down their cars to look at their pieces.
When a Caxton Joburg North journalist slowed down to speak to the men, they became so excited that they all ran to the car with a piece of work, trying to convince the reporter to buy something. They informed the journalist that she was the first person to show interest in their work in two days.
There is local talent on every corner. Although one has to look past the man handing out pamphlets, the window washer or the beggar, it would be a travesty to completely nullify the rare and talented artists who disappear among the chaos and malevolence of our streets.
