My name is Christopher Powell but I go by Chris. Since I have become a prisoner art has become important to me in so many ways that I sometimes wonder how I made it through life without this release from the clock ticking inside my head, or a way to turn my thoughts into reality.
The art medium I prefer is acrylic paints. Where I am currently incarcerated is the first I’ve been to that allows inmates to have the sort of art supplies I use for painting and in a way has brought me closer to freedom. Both my mother and my grandmother are painters and artists but I never thought of following them until I saw people around me with painting supplies and thought “I think I can do this!”. I am not really sure painting will be what puts bread on the table but I do like the idea of a complete stranger wanting something I’ve created. I guess that would give my paintings a new sense of purpose.
At present I take commissions from fellow inmates and enjoy working with people and helping them turn an idea into reality. I would be open to doing the same with someone outside of here. I see myself as being better at landscapes, seascapes and animals, the sort of things from imagination that could be considered “surreal.” Also I generally paint on Frederick or Blick triple primed canvas sheets and do not mix media nor do I varnish or clear coat my finished product. The more pictures provided for reference the better.