"Medicine man" - Clyde Thompson

The artist is currently incarcerated in New York. He specializes in black & white portraits 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.

8" x 11" | Pencil & Pen

I’m Clyde Thompson and I appreciate this opportunity to have my art looked at, praised the lord Jesus, thank you. First, I want to state that my artwork is related to my savior, Jesus Christ. What I mean by that is, the Lord has shown me, thru my artwork, that I’m being creative in what I love to do, which is to paint and draw. I used to think just religious paintings and drawings is what I was supposed to do, but the Lord has shown me and allowed me to paint what I like to paint, which is :old, rusty trucks, cars, old buildings, etc… I also like to paint & draw humans, animals, space scenes and the like. But my main point of emphasis is that the Lord can be in any type of painting, except depictions of evilness. This way I consider myself a real artist and not jailhouse “skull artist”. The art for me is a form of escape from prison. So in effect, it’s almost like prayer and meditation for me. And this may sound silly to some, but I often pray that people will see my paintings and feel blessed; that they would be so drawn into the painting that is would cause them to just stare at it and stare at it, like my grandbabies and my son do. So if I can do that, I’m truly blessed. One of my favorite materials to use if old books which are discarded in prison. I cut. The covers off and use them. So it gives me a little canvas to work with, I enjoy that, and I like using the smaller canvases and making smaller paintings, which is my favorite way of painting. In effect, it’s unique. What I use, I’ll use pencils, old brushes, coffee, kool aid, whatever I can get my hands on in prison. I’m self-taught, and I’ve been in and our of prison all my life. Most of the crimes were bank robberies, but I have a hard time calling myself a bank robber anymore because I’m a new creature in Jesus Christ. And I love Christ, and I love my son, my daughters and grandbabies. And I hope to be released from prison one day. By the way, all my artwork is original. I don’t copy other people’s work. Thank you for reviewing my art and I hope you are blessed by it!.