"Jail selfies serie" - Victor "house" Casas

The artist is currently incarcerated in California. He specializes in portraits of his incarcerated friends.

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.

8" x 11" | Pencil on paper

My name is Victor Casas. My cellies call me “House” because of my last name, but my artist handle is “Conquer the Beast” and my drawing’s title is “Conquer Everything”. If you think about life it’s all about trying to conquer one thing or another. The love of that special girl, a job, a craft, an obstacle, or the likeness of a person or image in a drawing. “Conquer the Beast” is my handle, but also my life’s motto that I live by. See, I have schizophrenia, and having a mental health condition while being in jail is especially difficult and dangerous. But, I won’t go into all that. I want to tell you how art has helped me and what it means to me. Schizophrenia causes symptoms such as anxiety and depression which adds to sadness and worry already experienced in jail. But, when I draw, and I’m really into my mode, all that goes away, along with the whole world. All I see are lines, angles, contours, shapes, light, and shadow that make up the expression on her face. I get lost in these images of a fierce animal lunging forward or the softness of a flower’s petals. It’s very soothing and intense at the same time. When I’m done with a drawing and it looks good I feel a sense of accomplishment and success, maybe even pride. The anxiety and worry are alleviated and the sadness and depression are gone. I’m happy and at peace. Art has really not saved my life but gave me sustenance for life. I love it. I plan to become a tattoo artist and do murals and car decals in my near future. Art will be my livelihood. I sling art in jail for food so I’ll make it my meal ticket in society as well. I have already conquered the beast that is insanity. If you asked me what I want to do today, I would reply, “The same thing I do every day. Try to conquer the world!” Thank you and God bless. .

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