The Name Is the Frame

A name is a sort of frame for a picture. For me Thorn, my artist moniker, (which actually is part of my name) is the perfect frame for the picture that is my artwork and advocacy work. Because I received resistance with the various types of artwork and advocacy work that I do (for the incarcerate,formerly incarcerated, and equitable public art access) I began to embrace the resistance. Interestingly enough, I was listening to the book The New Jim Crow and heard a couple thoughts on ‘Gansta Rap Culture’ in what I feel is the proper perspective: “there is nothing abnormal or surprising about a stigmatized culture embracing their stigma”. It is all in an effort to find the positive in the negative. That describes me accurately for sure: definitely always trying to find the positive in all situations.

A name is a sort of frame for a picture. For me Thorn, my artist moniker, (which actually is part of my name) is the perfect frame for the picture that is my artwork and advocacy work. Here’s at least part of the story.

The New Slave Matrix: Inhumanity + Profit in the US Prison System

The New Slave Matrix: Inhumanity + Profit in the US Prison Sysytem

So often artists become their own subject matter. There comes a time when sharing your own story is the only way to educate others. This was tough I have to say…When my brother initially went to prison it coincided with my mother’s cancer diagnosis as well as other oh so traditional familial drama. If nothing else I have more than enough to ruminate on for many an art piece for decades to come. Also what I hope for is to give another perspective for those who look at those who look at those who are incarcerated and the tragic United States epidemic of mass incarceration as a black and white issue.

#TheNewSlaveMatrix is a project that focuses on the #prisonindustrialcomplex the profiteering that happens on the backs of #American citizens and it’s overall affect on family. The first phase of this is to share phone calls between my Mother, brother Darrell, and I on a range of topics. This project is something that has been kind of rattling around in my spirit for the past couple years. Deciding to ask my family if I could share our story as part of this project just happened a few months ago. I express gratitude to them for allowing me to share.
Though I’m sharing my brother’s first days at the first facility where he was held, Santa Rosa Correctional, this wasn’t our first recorded conversation, it is the most logical starting point.
Please #share my brother’s story, our story. It is the story of millions of Americans that goes unheard.
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Listen to his story:

Sometimes...

Sometimes some observations just don’t fit in anywhere.