Artist Erick, 36

I first started with art when I was in jail to send to my friends and family. I eventually met other people that drew, who made their own tools, and were way better. They motivated me to improve. I had a knack for drawing before I was incarcerated, but it took off like a rocket being in here. My inspirations surrounding my art came from my environment, sketching, listening to music, watching TV shows, looking at tattoo magazines, art books and other people’s artwork. I also gain inspiration from thinking of certain words. Overall, an idea pops into my head and I write it down to draw upon later or sketch it immediately, then refine it later. The reason why I submitted my artwork is to send good vibrations into the world so people who see my artwork can hopefully feel my emotions, happiness, euphoria, laughter and wonder. Also, I wanted to bring awareness to incarcerated people to show we are capable of doing good and that we are people still; wanting to earn our way home.

Thank you for giving me this opportunity to share my story.