Skip to main content

My Art, My Mind, My Picasso

My mind feels so big, yet sometimes so small, as I sit on the floor with a big piece of paper and a pencil in hand, drawing what I see deep inside. I often wonder, how did I get so good at art? When I start drawing, I get lost in my thoughts, and I just draw, draw, and draw. I think of my father, Tjay, because in those moments, I know that besides “God,” he’s the one who gave me this talent.

I feel driven to keep sharing my art with others. When people see me drawing, they ask if I’m in my own little world, surrounded by nothing but art supplies. The truth is, when I draw, it’s a form of meditation. I don’t meditate the traditional way; instead, I find calm and focus through my art. It may not seem like meditation to others, but that’s because they don’t really know me.

Art is my passion, and it’s a huge part of who I am, like the woman behind the mirror. I have so much to share with the world, offering pieces of life like a gift, just like a “Picasso” painting right in front of us. A drawing, a cup of coffee or tea—just you, me, and the art. When I finish a piece, I look at it and remind myself there are no mistakes in art. Every creation feels like a piece of Picasso to me. His work speaks to me deeply, helping me realize there’s no such thing as an art “mistake.” That paper and pencil mean so much to me. It’s as if I’ve been waiting my whole life for a blessing through my art. It allows me to connect with others and share a big part of who I am.

📬

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.