"Razor edge" - Joey Owens

The artist is currently incarcerated in North Carolina. He specializes in pastels realistic drawings. He creates very large art pieces!

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" | Oil pastels on toned drawing paper

My name is Joey Owens. I’ve been incarcerated since 2011 with a 30 years sentence. I am presently an art teacher here at Nash Corr art school in North Carolina. I love doing hyper realism in portraiture but I love land/sea scapes the most, they seem to tug on my heart cords. I have two kids a Boy and Girl they love their Daddy. I like to sell my art to do things for them when I can. I love painting with pastel. Mainly pastel pencil. Layering of pastels. I’m always experimenting trying different layers of techniques pastel pencil is a whole another animal, you are in more control of the pastel and can be more precise in details..

@captivepastels