by AIC Artist Russel Thomas
Artwork is giving me a level of patience and confidence that I’ve never had before coming to prison. Doing art allows me to enjoy my time and space in a place that seldom offers such. When I draw, I tend to draw places I’d like to be and animals I’d like to conserve. I do most of my artwork in the day room, so I tend to pull in quite an audience at times. This has helped me build patience and social skills. Being in the day room leaves me available for conversation and has allowed me to become a better listener.
Doing artwork with a purpose has changed the way I think about others. For me, it’s even others on the other side of the world. I hope all of you look at this program as a great benefit for the students of Otino Waa Children’s Village as well. It seldom fails at making us inmates’ better people. It’s quite amazing that the program can change the lives of these children and be part of the solution in helping inmates become better people in your own community.
I have been incarcerated for 25 years. In the beginning comes the shame and guilt for the crimes. Then there’s the loss of all the friendships and family you’ve ever known. There can be an endless rush of rolling tears ripping at your heart, threatening to tear it from your chest. The most difficult part is to hold on to is compassion and humanity. How could I find ways to allow people to look at me as something other than contempt, distaste, or even hated.
A great opportunity came to me when Visions of hope came to the facility and I was introduced to 300 children. It was a amazing discovery to know that I could help these kids in some way. Along the way I was even able to sponsor two of the kids. Hilda and Sarah have become such a deep part of my life. Their letters bring me to tears most of the time. What a blessing from God. A door had opened in my life that was lost before. It’s now open with Hope, charity and compassion.
To this audience, it is my hope that you will take a closer look at adults in custody. There are so many that have truly tried to change every aspect of their lives. I hope you would see a hand reaching out to you to give back what was foolishly taken away years ago. I pray you would know that inside these walls are individuals who are intent on adding purpose, hope and definitions of redemption that would never have considered before now.
Russel Thomas – AIC artist