Artists from the Inside
Please enjoy the artwork of individuals we have interviewed while incarcerated. Their palate provides insight into the struggles incarcerated people face while revealing their life behind the bars. The art within this gallery gives our artists an outlet to express their thoughts, feelings, pains and dreams in a positive way that may not be possible in any other form. The art you see here is their outlet. They use seven elements to create: line, color, value, shape, form, space, and texture. We hope their work will expand your knowledge, understanding and appreciation surrounding the difficulties incarcerated individuals endure.
Featured Artist
Thomas’s Gallery
Artist Thomas, 52Incarcerated: 27 years Tell us when you first became interested in art? It's a really funny story, how I fell in love with art. When I was nine, my father had a friend who was a painter. At the time my family had just moved into a new house and the...
Bruce’s Gallery
Artist Bruce, 56A carpenter by trade, I think of myself as a craftsman more than an artist but I do enjoy painting. I have a deep love of the ocean and all things nautical.
Ivie’s Gallery
Artist Ivie, 55 Self-Forgiveness is a work in progressIt takes a strong person to stand and liveWith the burden of a sin, a regret, a remorse and not hideLearning to live with your faults before forgiving yourselfWill light your torch for the long...
Paul’s Gallery
Artist Paul, 64I first began oil painting in 1978, shortly after I was discharged from the army at the end of 1977. I then took a couple of classes at Fullerton Community College. My painting instructor told me to paint whatever I felt like...
Anthony’s Gallery
Artist Anthony, 24
Jorge’s Gallery
Artist Jorge, 37WHAT GOT YOU INTO ART? Everything started in Juvenile Hall when I was arrested at age 16. I was not good at reading and writing, not even in Spanish, and I was lacking in education. I remember I had a stock of letters from my mom in...
Scott’s Gallery
Artist Scott, 51...I started drawing in the county jail in 1996 to help maintain some sanity. I found that drawing allowed me to manage what I was thinking about. I would focus more on the image and less on my predicament and isolation as I ended...
Erick’s Gallery
Artist Erick, 36I 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...
Gerald’s Gallery
Artist Gerald, 68It all started in high school when I first started really noticing girls. We had a subscription to Jet Magazine. I started drawing the centerfold models, to the point that they appeared like photos. However, once I started...