Make Poverty History

Extreme Poverty is still a huge problem in the world today. After going on a Roadtrip with 1000 young Australians raising awareness about global poverty and what we can do to help, I began to look at some images depicting poverty and did some sketching. My end result was no where near perfect but it was enjoyable to look at the shapes and transfer them to paper with some simple shading. I have to say I find fingers and toes very difficult as you will probably notice....

Firstly a little more on extreme poverty.

I pose the question to you.. How much do you think the Australian government gives to foreign aid in every $100 it spends? $2 perhaps? $1you say? The answer is actually 35 cents. This is well below many of our global neighbours with the UK at 55 cents despite facing many economical problems of their own. These young Australians I travelled with have been petitioning, collecting signatures to support the increase in foreign aid spending to 50 cents in every $100 by 2016. Eventually hoping to get to 70 cents in every $100 by 2020.

If you would like to support the increase in foreign aid spending feel free to sign the petition here (It will take you 5 seconds).

It must also be considered that it may not be an increase in spending that is needed but a wiser use of money. For example, Ghana is one country that does not receive a high percentage of the money but has been one of the most successful areas receiving aid. This is because Ghana has minimal corruption compared to many other areas. Increased scrutiny by the government would also be beneficial.

Real life issues can be a great stimulus for creating art. Have a browse online then pull out your sketch book and give it a go! 

- Happy Sketching :)