Meikel Cooper quickly assimilated into the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center’s culture of recovery by bridging the gap through artwork and communication. 

Cooper stated that art has helped make connections with residents, free staff educators, prison officials, and correctional officers by attending self-help groups.

He said that art has the power to magnify shared values, beliefs, and experiences. 

“Art can create a connection between people by opening up a dialogue and communication is the key to building relationships.” Cooper said.  “ People talking to each other about art inspires me to keep creating.”

Cooper revealed that his work can be seen throughout the Q. He painted a mural titled “Welcome to San Quentin” that is displayed on officers’ desk in the education building.

His work is also displayed as “career milestones” on a correctional sergeant’s locker, and a Frankenstein mug shot painted on the wall of South Blocks Earned Living Unit.

He facilitated various self-help groups on his rehabilitation journey that include Awareness into Domestic Abuse and Criminal, Gang Members Anonymous, amongst others. 

He said in addition to attending groups and exercising, painting keeps him grounded and is the foundation of his improving mental health.

“Art is my sanity, my salvation, it keeps me stable in a sometimes unstable environment,” Cooper said.

He explained that his passion for art dates back to his childhood, stating that he became mesmerized by prison art that was sent to his house.

Cooper spent years trying to mimic the intricate letter styles and designs he received and art became his obsession. Then at age 14, he cut his teeth into the art world doing graffiti on the streets of Southern California.

“For years, graffiti was a negative addiction I chased every day,” he stated. “Now my artwork is a positive reflection of my lived experiences and how far I’ve come in my rehabilitation and recovery.”

Cooper’s innovative work uses bold solid lines, mixing old-school methods with urban styles and techniques. His fresh color choices and familiar themes are his creative way to pay tribute to traditional art that connect with all cultures.

He explained, for decades, society looked down on all graffiti but now it has become a mainstream art form that is sought after and celebrated. “Doing graffiti is what helped me to create a unique and distinctive style,” he said.

Instead of spray paint, he now uses acrylic paint on murals and larger pieces. He also uses graphite or color pencils to draw portraits. 

“Family’s bonding because my art is very rewarding,” said Cooper. His purpose is to create art that connects with people on a personal level.

Cooper explained that for the first time in 18 years of incarceration, he felt the change between the violent hardened prison culture of the past and the positive rehabilitation values adopted at The Q.

“I feel lucky to be a part of what is happening at San Quentin,” said Cooper. “I want my art to reflect my rehabilitation journey and this is a place where I can excel at both to achieve my goals.”

Having received so much positive feedback from his new community and admirers, Cooper now has aspirations to pursue an art career. 

“Art is a lifelong passion that is helping me build relationships and create opportunities for my future endeavors,” Cooper said. “Whether I open a studio, paint murals, or portraits, I am committed to purse my craft and see where art takes me.”