Skip to main content

Where I’m from it’s hard to truly be yourself when you have so many voids to complete your self worth.

I am an artist.

Being an artist is one of the many discoveries made in finding myself.

Where I’m from it’s hard to truly be yourself when you have so many voids to complete your self-worth. You become someone that you’re not, you can lose yourself following the negativity and influences that restore what you feel has been missing.

My artistry has always been within me. I continue to master it as I let myself be myself. Being in my element is how I can describe the state I’m in as I draw or paint. Having influences that share similar passions and interests has motivated me to be where I’m at. I’d also like to give credit to my older brother who’s always inspired me. He’s always been a great artist. Growing up looking up to him, the standard he’s set used to be very intimidating. It’s a really good feeling to receive gratification in making someone you look up to very proud.

I will have photos of my art and of myself emailed to you. Via Bien Valdovinos

📬

These stories arrive by mail.

Every month, a physical envelope arrives at your door, postmarked from San Quentin Village, California. Inside, you will find original artwork, writing, and recipes from real contributors, along with a personal letter from me, Diane Kahn, founder of Humans of San Quentin, about the people who made them. You read it. You keep it.

Every piece comes from someone serving a sentence. Every piece reminds you they are so much more than that.

📬 Join the Mail Club

Leave a Reply

Receive more inspiring stories and news from incarcerated people around the world.