How a Homeless Artist Began Selling His Works for Hundreds of Thousands of Pounds

The sculpture "Holding Hands" is installed in the Hackney district of London. The original was sold at a Christie’s auction for £287,500.

The artist known by the pseudonym Stik (STIK, similar to the English word "stick") shares little about his upbringing or personal life. He has no formal artistic training and spent a long time living on the streets.

He was born in the UK in 1979. In his youth, while living in homeless shelters, Stik began painting on the streets of London. His first graffiti was created in the Hackney district of London. He learned from his contemporaries, gradually developing his own style. With the support of friends and the local community, the artist was able to find housing and continue his creative journey. Feeling indebted to those who helped him, Stik says that art is his way of giving back. Each of his works is created as a gift to the public, who helped him survive on the streets of London.