"Out of element"

Museum-quality giclée Epson matte paper | Sustainably sourced Ayus wood frame | Hanging hardware included

I’m Kathryn, aka “Kat”, also called “Contraband Kat” for all the painted, altered, custom made “contraband” I am known for, both which I rock and create in prison. I am a 30 year old artist from coastal Southern California, a free spirit and a weirdo by nature. Currently I’ve been down 6 years, with 5 more to go on a conspiracy drug charge. I use art to find freedom, even behind bars. To me, Art is everything. My outlet, my release, my way to express myself and even transport myself away from my current situation into a state of the mind. I create all kinds of art, apparel, t-shirts, hats, paintings, drawings and tattoos. A lot of my work people find disturbing and equally beautiful, sometimes confusing for those reasons. I find ways to say things in my Art I cannot with words. I am a tattoo artist (having learned and accomplished in prison), a painter, writer and also a lover of drawing and sculpting. Prison isn’t always so bad but has been difficult these last 12 months. Recently I was sexually assaulted by an officer, who has since been indicted and arrested for the abuse. I was then moved to another prison to start over completely new, being separated from my soulmate. I made this piece to express how I feel, out of my element, sometimes helpless, to be served up as meat, used or devoured by a sick, corrupt, hypocritical system. Obviously I am not a mermaid but born at sea and a rare creature just the same. In Art I found healing and release...It keeps me sane even in crazy, insane places and situations. It’s my passion and I’d be lost without it. My dad, having introduced it into my life at a very young age, going to art shows and galleries, I have clung to it ever since. I hope you enjoy viewing it as much as I enjoy creating it. And to the women and men being held down and abused in the system, I hope this helps you shed your fear and find your own liberation, to find a way to express yourself however you can..