"Ill Advised - Jonathan Emery

The artist is currently incarcerated in Colorado. He specializes in fantasy, cartoon characters and drawings.

All original artworks are created by artists previously or currently incarcerated. They use whichever materials they have access to, and prove creative ingenuity beyond the norm. These original paintings and drawings are born in the heart of a prison cell, from the hands of an outsider artist to adorn the walls of your space. Each art piece is a one-of-a-kind that not only enhances your interior but also makes you actively participate in reforming the prison and criminal justice system.

The incarcerated artist receives 50% of the sales proceeds. The artists set their own prices based on the costs of materials (it can vary greatly from one facility to another), the time spent on the piece, their experience, and simply - what they think it’s worth. Alongside with offering a financial outlet, we aim to empower their confidence and reinstitute their status as human beings - not a number behind bars. For most, art is an escape, a path to self-discovery and healing. Through art, they can reconnect with society so the gap is not so unbridgeable when they get out. Through the sales, they can stay connected with their families, afford daily commissary items, pay societal debts, relieve the economic burden on their loved ones, and save up for the release date. So they have the financial means to get ahead of reinsertion and get a fair chance at that second chance.

9" x 12" | Pen & color pencils on drawing paper

Dear Readers, Hello, my name is Jonathan Emery! First and foremost I would like to thank all of the contributors, motivators and readers; if not for you, I’m not sure if I’d still be an artist. I am a former “Defy Ventures EIT—Entrepreneur-in-Training” at Colorado State Penitentiary who sadly didn’t graduate due to Covid-19. Throughout my time in DOC and juvenile facilities, I’ve created numerous amounts of drawings and paintings that have brought me joy. What art means to me is bringing the beauty out of a mind; even some of the darkest minds, to show something amazing! I still create wonderful works of art; just now a lot of it is on people’s skin. While in “Defy Ventures,” my business pitch was and still is to become a professional tattoo artist, to own my own tattoo shop(s) and to provide and promote resources to youth and adults at risk to advantage to create artwork; for example: instead of kids throwing down graffiti on areas that will get them into trouble; to provide them with the tools to legally produce graffiti while also learning, gaining skills and experience, positive work ethic amongst other qualities of a job while also getting paid! This is what art means to me; bringing joy to another person’s day and leaving them satisfied! Well, I hope you enjoy my work!.

/