Artist Michael Barker has infused his rehabilitative qualities into his art and has garnered a fan base that spans 30 years and four prisons.
Barker innovatively bonds an assortment of paper to plastic by hand sewing the materials together to make strands that creates his masterpieces. His transformative artwork provides enjoyment and a sense of home for both San Quentin residents and CO’s alike.
“My art for others allows me to acquire more insight and remorse for my two victims and it gives me a peaceful way to show living amends while incarcerated,” said Barker.
Barker’s art career began after a Salinas Valley State Prison resident taught him how to make woven picture frames. As he learned the basics, he also had to learn the intricacies of creating the weaving material itself. After his apprenticeship, Barker’s imagination took over.
A self-proclaimed former “town tweaker” in his hometown of San Jose, Barker now utilizes the craft to strengthen the sobriety that he committed to twenty-four years ago.
“My art helps me visualize that I’m on the outside doing something productive. It provides me with a meditative release,” said Barker.
Family also plays a prominent role in his sobriety, rehabilitation, and in the discovery of his hidden artistic talents.
“In thirty years, I have grown and changed like my art, but I would be nowhere without the support of my brother and sister who keep me going daily. They have made me realize my art improves as my sobriety and rehabilitation grows,” said Barker.
Barker’s commitment to reform included program completion in less therapeutic prisons that gave him a unique brand of reform; he decided to share his experience strength and hope in his designs.
“It’s funny, I never believed I could teach anyone anything, but now I try to share my talents with someone who appears as dedicated and humble as I was when I was selected to be trained by Hobby Staff at Salinas Valley,” said Barker.
“Anyone can put their mind to this craft and do it because I will invest in them the way Hobby Staff did with me thirty years ago. That’s how all rehabilitation must work,” said Barker.
From start to finish, one of Barker’s creations can take up to three months.
“Rehabilitation, like my art, does not happen overnight, but both are worth the wait,” he said.
“The things inmate Barker makes is incredible. The patience he uses to weave each work of art truly slows him down. He is a valued member of the SQ Community,” said CO Brooks.
From choppers, to jewelry cabinets, to mirror frames, Barker will create anything his customers desire. He attributes Avenal resident, Robert Tiffin, with changing the trajectory of his life.
“Tiffin told me how talented I was and eventually I believed it. Today I owe others the same chance to change with the same positive reinforcement he gave me; positivity heals a lot,” said the artist.
Barker’s customers evidently agree. “Stephen does incredible work and anyone who gets a piece designed by him truly gets a one-of-a-kind piece of art,” said resident Victor Olquin.
“The works I create, like true rehabilitation, take time. I am just happy I can improve residences, homes, and lives,” said Barker.
