"That's life" - Tyler Cruz AKA "Kid"

The artist is currently incarcerated in Nevada. He specializes in chicano art black & white 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.

17" x 19" | Pencil on paper

My name is Tyler Cruz. I’m Native American. I came to prison in 2005 for second-degree murder. I am serving 20 years to life. My parole is in 2025. At that time I will be 43 years old. When I came to prison I had no direction and didn’t know what to do. I had a celly who was an incredible artist. He taught me a few little things and the rest I picked up on my own. I only use a mechanical pencil with 2B lead. I draw a lot of Chicano art because that’s what people like. But, I enjoy drawing motorcycles and cars. I draw my son a lot of pictures. But, I started drawing because my old cellmate who taught me killed himself in prison. He was my best friend and he taught me a lot so I figured that I owed him that. Honestly, I never really thought that I was very good but someone brought over a magazine with the ad in it and said, “go for it”. Thank you for giving me the chance to send my stuff out and see if I got what it takes.

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