After twenty-five years, and recently paroled from San Quentin, I can say that I feel fortunate. How? Unlike many of my associates, I had no desired to use my time negatively. Yes, it was hard and, yes, it could have been so easy to allow my circumstances to dictate my journey, one lacking freedom. My first impression of prison quickly began to take on a different vision. The bars were not limited to cells and concrete walls… But in my altered reality, I imagined the sky barred and that being even more restricting.
That vision influenced one of my earliest paintings. From that point, I started painting and bringing life to images that brought me peace. Yes, within the art studio I felt only freedom. Often I would remind myself “Whatever’s going on beyond the studio doors didn’t matter, I was in my sanctuary. I can honestly say that “Art changed every individuals’ worth and expectations”. For we only focused on our creative skills and helping each other apply their best self in bringing life to numerous canvases.
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