"Pistol" - Claude Johnson

The artist is currently incarcerated in Florida. He specializes in highly detailed, realistic 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" | Pencil on thin drawing paper

I spent most of the years from 1998 to now in prison, not having a clue as to what I wanted to be when I grew up. In 2015 I was sent to the medium at Forrest City, and they had the best art program I had ever seen. Not only did they have guys who knew what they were doing to teach us, but they also gave us some basic tools to get started (Thanks Mr. Wilder). It wasn’t long before a teaching position opened up and I took the beginners’ class. That’s when I learned that the best way to learn a subject is to teach it to someone else. I’m mainly a graphite guy, but I dabble with colors when the mood hits. Becoming a serious artist and trying to master my art has helped me become someone I can be proud of, and made it so I could heal some of the wounds I’ve inflicted along the way. If anyone can say that they have been redeemed by art, it’s me. .

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