"Pole dance" - Ryan Metcalfe

The artist is currently incarcerated in California. She specializes in realistic chicano style drawing.

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 thick paper

My name is Ryan Metcalfe. I’m a tattoo artist, but I also like to paint murals and draw. Art, to me, is freedom. Art is the freedom to do and express whatever I’d like to express. I can tell any story with just one image. Even if the stories I tell aren’t glamorous, or if they’re misunderstood, I urge people to see the beauty in them. This piece was inspired by my friend and “her story”. We all live unique lives. See the beauty in her story and how I’d like to share it. .

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