Gregory’s Gallery
Artist Gregory, 46
Incarcerated: 22 years
Housed: San Quentin State Prison
“And remember if you can be anything in this life… BE KIND!!!”
Kelsey’s Gallery
Artist Kelsey, 63
My name is Kelsey “Kels,” I’m 63 years old, and from Simi Valley California. I’m what is known as a true tattoo artist because I learned to draw specifically for tattooing. I draw the line at evil, horror, haunted types of stuff, no “satanic” stuff. I like old horror movies: Dracula, Wolfman, The Mummy, Frankenstein, Predator 1 and 2, Night of The Living Dead (1963). My favorite bands are: Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Jethro Tull, Deep Purple, Tool, UFO, Tower of Power, Traffic. I’m an ancient alien theorist that believes in Bigfoot and UFOs.
Bruce’s Gallery
Artist Bruce, 56
A 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.
Ivié’s Gallery
Artist Ivié, 55
Self-Forgiveness is a work in progress
It takes a strong person to stand and live
With the burden of a sin, a regret, a remorse and not hide
Learning to live with your faults before forgiving yourself
Will light your torch for the long haul
It’s in the very learning of our faults that we find freedom
Paul’s Gallery
Artist Paul, 64
I 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 painting, however I felt like painting it. I was hooked. Then I met a girl, fell in love and was persuaded to leave painting behind. I was told by my new In-laws “No one makes a living painting.” So I worked in sales and left painting behind. Many years later, in 2010, I attended a painting class at San Quentin, taught by Patrick Maloney. I discovered that my life wasn’t quite over. Pat had the same teaching philosophy as my first instructor. For me, it clicked. Since I do not have the benefit of viewing things in the real world then painting them, I rely on my imagination. Sometimes I use photo references to guide me. I have painted recreations of some of the great masters: Vermeer, Monet, Marguerite and others. I change them slightly to make them my own interpretation. I am ashamed to be known as a convicted murderer who paints. That’s why I don’t promote my work. But beauty often grows out of ugliness.
