by Correctional Officer D. Linares
I recently had an Adult in Custody (AIC) at Warner Creek Correctional Facility paint a beautiful piece of art, which displays me, a skier, at the Warner Canyon ski area-located in the Warner Mountains of south-central Oregon. Although my identity is obscured by a helmet, my mirrored googles and ski mask, The AIC is fully aware the skier he’s painting is me- Correctional Officer D. Linares. The AIC felt honored, because he had never been asked to do a personal piece of art. The AIC also displayed nervousness because he had never painted snow. He took on the challenge and reminded me of when I first put on a pair of skis, not knowing how to ski or knowing anything about the sport.
Throughout the process of the art, I observed the different emotions and challenges that the AIC faced. Both with the small details of the painting, and his daily life as an AIC. The painting, the AIC, and the skier had a lot in common. As a skier, I do often feel pressure to ski above my ability level- especially when I want to keep up with my friends or family. It took practice and patience for me to stop and tell myself it was “okay” if I couldn’t keep up or be at the level someone else was at. I could not risk doing something that could hurt or seriously injure me or someone else. Same with the AIC- I wanted him to know it was okay if the task was above his ability level. I also wanted to remind him that it was okay for him to put his pride aside, serve his time with honor, and not be led into temptation of what’s expected from him by the other AIC.
Skiers and AICs must use judgment when assessing the possible dangers and obstacles ahead of them. Judgment is not only the foundation of my personal life and hobbies. It is the foundation of my job and who I am as an officer. This AIC will be facing many obstacles and temptations as he will be releasing after being incarcerated for 32 years. When the time comes, I want him to use his judgment and hopefully choose the suitable terrain and remember that his decisions and actions contribute to his safety and success. If help is needed along the way, it’s okay to ask, because skills can be learned through shared challenges. I got to witness the power of teamwork when this artist asked other AICs for feedback on his painting. Start off with the green slopes, then gradually move on to the blue slopes. Before you know it, you’ll be prepared for a black diamond. Go at your own pace and ability.
As for my painting, it hangs in my living room, and it is there to remind me that I can do hard things that can be very rewarding in the long run. It is also there to remind me why I became a correctional officer in the first place. That is to make a positive impact in people’s lives, in this case, through art. So, for anyone holding the brush, take it stroke by stroke. You’re the artist of your own story.
-Officer D. Linares
Thank you so much for sharing your story. It’s beautiful to see how you two have connected and in that connection you have found strength you have found wisdom and discernment. I pray for this man that will be released after 32 years that he will find success on the outside and that he will let the Lord direct his life.