I have been an artist for as long as I can remember; in life I have looked for creative solutions in every situation. There were many times when I was young where paint was what kept me from sinking into myself, as a sensitive girl in a harsh world; helping me to process the complexities that seemed to swirl about me. Prior to coming to prison, my favorite mediums were oil paint, any paint really, wood and fabric. When I finally began to get my bearings here, I realized ( with the help of the professors from the Appalachia) that I could use words to heal my broken life, and so I began to write. I was born in 1970, my parents were, ” Hippies”. The principles that were born into me were like for love of nature, exploring our country, anti-establishment, art, adventure, cultural diversity, peace, impulsivity and a culture of drug use.
I am a left handed Aquarius- perhaps this is why I am passionate about community service; the art of giving back.
Having done nearly 10 years on a 30 year sentence, I have tirelessly sought out opportunities to foster safe spaces where creativity and love are used to heal and wake up those around me.
I am a super goal oriented. I have always been taskmaster. I was taught at a young age the truth that if you map out your goals, and set them into play- anything is possible. I also believe that it is only when those goals have been reached that we should celebrate before moving on to the next great project. Sow, reap, relax, repeat.
My most recent accomplishment here is our Think Tank where we have 12 women- one from each pod- in a circle to workshop creative ideas with the common goal of providing the people here the space to establish better life habits based on the 8 Dimensions of Wellness. After we meet, each of those women return to their pod to direct the Peer Team as they each aid in the effort of fostering different spokes of the wheel; creating a re-entry plan, how to parent from prison, a routine of fitness, meditation, and not only book reports but also reflections on art and music, to name a few. Community service is a big part of the program as we have numerous elderly women here who benefit largely from the Elderly Companion Program which I created last year; there is potential for magic when you pair an elderly woman with a young person who is struggling to find their way here. When all of these are combined, we often find our truest spiritual connection.
I am also passionate about the Earth and prior to coming to prison I began to renovate homes with the idea of conservation in the front of my mind: building “GREEN”. My plan is to return to the home renovation/ building/ interior design business but this time to incorporate a space where ex-offenders can come to the desert and be trained on how to build green roofs, operate the rigs that install spray foam insulation, build greenhouses out of scrap, and other creative solutions in response to our need as a civilization to inhabit this earth- in- crisis with more respect.
My first art installation will depict the interior doors of the SHU ( special housing unit ) in order to bring social awareness to the need to end segregation and the warehousing of people.
I believe that in all things, change begins with us. As a result of this great understanding, each day I sit in my deepest self and picture myself wrapped in love and I visualize ribbons of love flowing out from me and touching everyone in my proximity. I believe that all things are in conspiracy to work in my favor when my intentions are pure.
Most importantly, I believe in the power of 24. I recently finished writing a book which I titled, IN THE ABSENSE OF PAINT. In the book I detail my journey of healing. I talk about how each day we are given a new fresh opportunity to strive for better overall health and balance; the balance that only comes from consciously incorporating the spokes of the wellness wheel, understanding that this is where true self esteem and confidence are derived from. Only then may I reach my ultimate goal; to dance lightly across this earth.
