Incarcerated artist Jose “J. D.” Diaz started taking drawing seriously about three years ago. When he first started sketching, he did not know in which direction he wanted to go. He recently started painting.  According to Diaz, his art resembles life itself. Much like a working on canvas or sketching, it captures “the impermanence aspiring towards the finished piece.”  “Art is an … [Read More...]

Resident artist discusses how the Japanese art form translates to rehabilitation For Daniel Le, origami started as a curiosity. Having watched origami artists on YouTube videos inspired him to learn more about the art form. Eventually, Le created a signature piece of origami art — fireworks.  “When I am doing origami I am thinking on the steps that I need to take, that I’ve learned in … [Read More...]

The process took months. It required dozens of telephone calls to lawyers. It required a lot of legal mail, both sent and received. It also required much hope. In the end, the effort – and the hope – paid off. Former San Quentin resident Luciano Borjas said he received a resentencing under 1172.1(a). Just prior to his departure from San Quentin, he said he would still have to deal with a … [Read More...]

Art begins with creation through imagination and, for Ray Ochoa, through his motivation to make a living. Ochoa’s art began with a sponsor who once had worked as an artist and now owns art galleries in San Francisco and Hawaii. That sponsor was the first to encourage him to create art. “I learned to draw by looking over the shoulders of murderers and thieves,” said Ochoa. “This was my art … [Read More...]

Driven by hunger, the need for means to survive inside a prison walls gave life to innovation and creativity displayed in hidden gems of art. In 2015, California sent Moises Ramos and many other prisoners to Arizona because of overcrowding in CDCR facilities. He had left his family and loved ones and did not have the means even to purchase ramen soup. “Me and my bunky decided that we … [Read More...]

Through arts and crafts, many incarcerated people have found ways to express themselves and have found ways to communicate their creative endeavors with the outside world. Beadwork has existed since early humans hung shells around their necks and beads used in arts and crafts remain popular to this day.  Sheb Isbell, a new arrival at San Quentin, brought with him a new level of innovation … [Read More...]

David Hernandez re-purposing everyday scraps into art gems  All art has unique ingredents. San Quentin resident David Hernandez creates sports logos and handbags from common materials that anyone else would consider useless and throw away. He has adopted the concept of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle as an artistic credo.  “I learned these techniques so that I can stay busy and my time goes by … [Read More...]

JOE RICHMAN EXPOUNDS ON 30 YEARS OF RADIO BROADCASTING EXPERIENCE … [Read More...]

DAVID CALDERON TAKESCONTROL OF HIS MENTALHEALTH THROUGH HIS CRAFT San Quentin resident David Calderon, 38, showcases his artistry by creating sports hats out of writing paper and cardboard.  He created his hats with a variety of team sports logos at the request of other incarcerated men here at San Quentin; teams like the Dodgers, 49ers, Raiders, Miami Dolphins and … [Read More...]

LUCIANO BORJAS BRINGS LOWRIDER CULTURE BACK TO LIFE Art promotes peace and tranquility in those who allow their skills and imagination to flourish inside prison walls. Luciano Borjas has found peace in drawing cars, sceneries and portraits.  The artist’s passion helps foster his personal growth while enhancing relationships with friends and family on the outside. In his roles as … [Read More...]