by Dale Russell (+ Inmate artists)
Artists are primarily thought of as makers. But they are also thinkers and feelers. They think and they feel. Deeply. And I believe the thinking and feeling are the most important parts of an artist, more important than the making. Because their thinking and feeling is what spurs the making and leads to what is made.
Sometimes we are privy to those thoughts and feelings as they provide the story behind the creation. Many times, it seems there are thoughts swirling around in a mind, constantly bumping into each other and trying to connect with other things. It can be overwhelming if there isn’t an outlet.
Art is a way of seeing inside the artist. A way of seeing an inner world—thoughts and beliefs, feelings, and emotions, loves and dislikes. Sometimes there is a discovery of something profound, like thought patterns they never knew were there. Sometimes those thought patterns are destructive, narrow-minded, that they were unaware of. Art can illuminate this inner side and make them more aware of themselves. Art allows them to stand, even for a brief moment, in the middle of that river and see what’s flowing around them.
And that seeing is key. If they can see these inner thought patterns, they can begin to change, to weed out destructive beliefs and habits, and to bring in more acceptance and love. They can use those feelings to make art, instead of allowing them to set up camp in their brains and take over.
Through the healthy aspect of looking into themselves, they can see things not otherwise noticed. This process leads to pleasure in what we see in the art and acceptance and confidence within the artist.
God created people in His image and likeness, and He has given people the inspiration to create wonderful works of art. God is the source of creativity, and we can look to the Bible to gain a better interpretation of it.
“In a well-furnished kitchen there are not only crystal goblets and silver platters,
but waste cans and compost buckets,
some containers used to serve fine meals, others to take out the garbage.
Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift
to His guests for their blessing.“
2 Timothy 2:20-21
Here are some wonderful examples of inmate art and the thoughts behind each.
Blurred Vision
“This is an abstract chalk pastel piece that fit into my life at the time. It shows how I felt. Sometimes we go through life with blurred vision, only looking to the future, and not seeing what’s right in front of us. Therefore, we must refocus on today, so that we can have a clear vision for tomorrow. ” V. Robertson
Serengeti
“One of my fellow artists asked why I never painted African animals. My answer was, I have never thought about it. While looking through my references, I came across a rhino. Well, I figured a Rhino is big enough to test my style, so I decided to challenge myself a little more with this piece. Then I added a baby rhino. This piece not only challenged me on my skill level, but also taught me more about mixing my own colors out of the very limited color palette I have to work with.” R. Reeves
From Bricks to Paradise
“This piece is about no matter what kind of prison we are in, the bricks will eventually crumble and then we can be in whatever paradise we make for ourselves. And that paradise can last forever.” V. Robertson
The next time you feel down or discouraged, try using art to look inside. Take some time to draw your thoughts and feelings, if only for a few minutes. Don’t go in with expectations of a revelation and don’t judge your drawing as it goes along. Maybe you’ll realize something profound. That might be the realization you’re grumpy………..OR full of joy!
Whatever it is, just draw. And let it all come out just the way it is.