Prison Art

These are pictures of birthday presents that I had made for my kid is last year.  My son is a big fan of the Harry Potter books, so I had a likeness of him contract is in a Harry potter quidditch scenario. 

My daughter is an avid scuba diver.

 

 

I sent my other son a likeness of himself playing bongos; I don't have a photo of it, nor do I know if he received it.

It's hard to make birthdays and other holiday special for your kids when you are in prison, but fortunately there are many talented and unique artists here who can help make this so.  The whole process is rather unique and different from going to a Wal-Mart for a gift.

Artists in prison are pretty inventive and creative.  There are, of course, talented sketchers and painters who do some amazing work.  I've seen some incredible origami and other similar art using cut strips of paper.  The most amazing, to me, are the sculptors - the MacGyvers of the prison art world.

These figures are sculpted out of bread.  That's right - the stuff you make sandwiches with.  The artist uses a secret process, combining the bread with glue, bagels, and other secret ingredients to make a workable, pliable, clay-like substance.  For reasons somewhat unclear to me, actual clay is contraband.  We are allowed paints, which is what is used to cover the figures, and then they are covered with a "homemade" shellac type substance, and are dried out for several days.

These gifts were not cheap, from a prison perspective.  I had to pay approximately one bag of rice, one bag of beans, three ramen soups, two granola bars, and a coffee for each of the images.  That translates to $10.00 in "outside" currency.  Bear in mind that I earn 40¢ per hour at work.

Shipping them is a whole other process.  I used a Pop-Tart box stuffed with newspaper and toilet paper wrapper.  That was covered with used Manila envelopes.  A process to be sure, but I've got the time and my kids are worth it.

Daddy's in Prison

 Daddy's in prison - my sweet little one
He's doing OK - but it's not so much fun.

The days are so long - and really quite boring
The nights are quite loud - because of the snoring.

Your dad is in prison - he made some mistakes
He'll make it up to you - whenever it takes.

Be good - do your work - and do what you should
You know he'd be with you - if only he could.

Your dad is locked up - it's not as bad as it seems
Because you're always with him - in thoughts and in dreams.

He'd rather be with you - to play and have fun
And he certainly will - when all this is done.

Yes, daddy's in prison, but kids do not fear
He's still in your heart - year after year.

He made some mistakes - but he's not a bad man
He'll get stronger and better any way that he can.

Daddy's in jail and it seems like he's gone
But he will return so you have to stay strong.

It seems so unfair that this happened to you
But don't you lose hope - whatever you do.

Daddy's in prison - it's still not the end
He's there with you own - when you need a friend.

No matter what happens - or what people say
He loves you and thinks of you every day.

Your dad is away and sometimes that's rough
Because your time with him is never enough. 

Don't make his mistakes - don't think about crime
It's not worth what you lose for a very long time.

Your father's in prison - for you he still cares
Your pictures and stories are things that he shares.

He's so proud of you- and all you achieve
Don't give up on him - you have to believe.

Your dad is not with you - you have to be strong
Until you're in his arms - which is where you belong.

One day, he'll get out - and that day will be grand
For you and your dad will then walk hand in hand.