"Lunatic Fringe"

The artist is currently incarcerated in Oklahoma. He specializes in busy story telling 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.

12" x 16" | Pencil on art paper

Hello, my name is Michael Vargas. I am a 47 year old hispanic male. I am originally from Odessa, Texas, but I’m currently at a prison in El Reno, Oklahoma. I have been incarcerated mostly all of my twenties, thirties, and up to the present moment. My time is almost complete, and I pray that within the next year, I’ll be home with my loved ones. As a young man, I made some wrong choices that currently hold me back from my potential, but at the same time, have helped me grow mentally to become a mature adult. Through the years, I have always kept my hand at drawing. I’ve worked boards in color, cards, handkerchiefs, and many collages to be used for tattooing purposes. Drawing, to me, is a way to stay grounded and mentally focused on detail. Drawing helps pass time, and at the same time, helps free my mimd from behind these walls. I can only imagine the smiles my drawings have placed on all my loved ones over the years. I consider myself a motivated artist, and I like challenging projects in hopes that I can push myself to become a great artist one day. I would like to thank Art for Redemption for allowing me the opportunity to be involved in such a project. This I consider to be my first kickstart to giving back to the community. May your book and entire project open many doors for not just myself, but to many great artists behind these walls..