Consistency and focus can take you further than you ever imagined. The challenge, however, is patience. You never know when or who will notice your work—you only know that you are putting in the effort that needs to be done. For years, I have worked with prison artwork and have seen firsthand how it sparks … read more
Article Category: Prison Arts
The dictionary tells us that art is the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination. Art has high social value because it expresses emotion, communicates ideas, and builds connections between us.
In prison, art is more than that. It's also a way to stay sane, to do something productive and rehabilitative with your time, and to free your mind and spirit when your physical being is anything but. Incredibly, prison artists who are mostly self-taught, produce works of emotional power and beauty emanating from the most austere and often dismal conditions. Through these works, we have the opportunity to gain perspective on their humanity.
Artwork, good to the last drop.
It’s a ritual for so many of us to start the day with a cup of coffee—but what if that coffee became your art supply? Stay with me. I’ve been working with a prison artist who specializes in creating stunning artwork entirely out of coffee. The first time I saw his work, I was blown … read more
Christmas in Prison
Impartial just received this Christmas card from a prison artist we have been working with in 2024. Very cool! For most inmates, holidays like Christmas—or even birthdays—are some of the hardest times to endure behind bars. But during the past few months, I had the privilege of meeting a local sheriff who approaches his work … read more
My First Letter From An Inmate
Usually you will find me writing each week for the last few months about the criminal case that I endured many years ago. Today, I am writing because I reached out to an inmate a couple of weeks ago and he wrote me back. I shouldn’t be surprised that he wrote me back, I guess, … read more
