Documenting Criminalization and Confinement

We Dance in the Rain

Boxes covered in red, white, and blue flags

Memory Flash #3 "Thoughts of Being Forgotten"

Color image, brown log covered in green moss in the green grass

Untitled

Color image, yellow cat with a purple collar surrounded by yellow, blue, and purple flowers and green stems and leafs

Faces on the Wall #3

Color image, large black shape with jagged edges covered in bright dots on a brown background

Clay Warriors #6

Color image, red, white, and black face mask with open mouth and large white eyebrows

William Blake at Peckham Rye

In the end we were hollow like the bones of brittle sea birds strewn across the shore salt sea pillars lurching toward a dawn that never comes a gate of ivory a gate of harm gateways of perception a window to the soul looking into the same empty room filled with imagined comforts each more distracting than the last each devoid of meaning devoid of purpose crawling dunes of silt and ash and bits of bone pretending that's enough to justify ongoing existence pretending that it all means something but in the end we all die alone hollow like the bones of brittle sea birds

Color image, close up image of an eye rolled to be looking upward

Look

Color image, blend of blues and yellows

Maine Lighthouse

Color image, large white lighthouse surrounded by other white buildings on a cliff

1880s 3 Masted Schooner

Color image, large boat with three masts and many yellow sails on water with many whitecaps

Moon Man

Folded paper sculputre of astronaut swinging on a swing attatched to the moon

w/o Color Everything is Block & White Til Blurred - It's All Gray

Black and White image, words in organic lettering squeezed together, some words include 'BLM' and 'VOICE' and 'SPEAK'

Looking for Wind that Will Carry Me Home

Color image, a sailboat with sail rolled up floating on calm waters with a few clouds in the sky

Mad World

Color image, close up image of half of a face, a tear sliding down the cheak

Fall is in the Air

Color image, a cottage with a chimney surrounded by trees with colorful leaves

Decipherable Interpretation (it's a mad, mad world)

Color image, a bearded elf in a green suit and hat sitting on top of the earth

Lips

Black and White, a white mouth with lips parted and tounge hanging out on a black background

Karate Lobster

You Can Count ON ME

I'm Bustin Out

Is This Abstract?

Color image, very light splatter painting in black, blue, and red

For the Love of Falconry

Black and White image, falcon with its head in a blinding hood

Portrait Lana DelRay

Sword Rose and Vine

Black and White image, dagger in the shape of a cross covered i nthorns and leaves with a red. rose behind its blade

Sandhill Crane

Color image, sandhill crane standing in water looking out at mountain range with yellow sun behind its head

Never Had a CHANCE

Color image, sunset on sandy. landscape behind an egg on a nest of thorns

Untitled

Color image, a combination of brush strokes of various sizes and colors and blue splattter paint

The American Caste System

Pyramid with sides decoragted with collage of words and images with political relevancy (ex/ trump yelling, the word 'Conspiracy?'), covered in blue splatter paint

Samos to Samothraki

Color image, boat with two large sails, ssailing away from a coastal town in the distance

Self Portrait #2

Color image, outline of a pig in blue and pink shading on a black background

Prayer

Color image, man in prison uniform with hands both shackled and clasped in prayer, the words 'GODS PAWN' on either side of his head

Rebirth

Bible Scripture, Acts 12:5-7

Color image, broken chainss and cell bars on a brigh blue background, angel in the corner, words 'ACTS 12:5-7 GOD DONT BREAK Promises, He Breaks Chains' in the top corner, brown border

Bible Scripture, 1 John 1:9

Simply Given

Color image, orange and black butterfly in front of blue and yellow clouds

Year One of the Virus

Color image, multicolor splatter paint on a multicolor gradient background

Do-Dill

Color image, colorful gymshoe on a multipatterned background plit into four distinct sections of patterns

Sea of Sorrow

Color image, green zombie face with mouth wide open floating in front of cell bars

Wizard Kitty

Black and White image, cat with a horn on its forhead and 4 eyes shooting stars out of a lifted paw

Tengus Get a +4 to Linguistics Checks

Black and White image, raven with a blanket around it holding a book

Fallin

Color image, optical illusion in black, blue, and red, with a cross at the center

Life

Color image, optical illusion in black, blue, and pink, the word 'Life' written diagonally through the piece

29 to 58

Black and White image, naked man laid out on a table three guards hold him down and sew his mouth shut.

Good vs Evil

Small Cross

Brown cross necklace

Stephon Yarbrough Testimony

A letter describing the author's experience of being incarcerated during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as employment in prison and the lack of safety precautions for those who are working during the pandemic.

Stanley Alan Williams Testimony

A letter including documentation of poor conditions in prisons and lack of respect and the dehumanization of inmates. References to education and the author's experience writing poetry and a self-help book.

Ahjamu Khalifah Baruti (aka Richard Lee Carter) Testimony

A letter documenting the author's experience facing systematic racism both in and out of different correctional facilities. As well as how prisons are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and safety measures that are being taken as well as lack thereof.

Cameron Joseph Tietz Testimony

A letter describing the author's upbringing from a poverty ridden family and the accident that led to his incarceration. He discussed the terrible experience he encountered with the criminal legal system inside and out.

Ken Tello Testimony

A letter describing the author's experience as someone who has been incarcerated since the early age of sixteen. He described the conditions of the different facilities around the state and how prison is not a place for rehabilitation.

Drake Everett Misek Testimony

A detailed letter describing the author's childhood and background in different homes and his journey in education. He explained the his life before ending up in jail and prison, and his daily routine at his current facility. He also explained the corruptness of the criminal legal system and its haunting trail.

Dion "Bantu" Dawson Testimony

A letter describing the author's childhood consisting of a single-mother, poverty, and violent street life. As well as time spent among different correctional facilities in Michigan. References to abuse, both physical and sexual, from other inmates, facility staff, and wardens. Issues are mentioned with food quality, healthcare quality, and ability to communicate with visitors.

Jared Ritchie Testimony

A letter detailing the author's childhood and background and the experiences that led him to the criminal legal system.

DeAngelo Jones Testimony

A brief letter explaining the author's experiences with the criminal legal system and his time spent at different facilities for a crime he did not commit.

Carlee Hines Jr. Testimony

A letter explaining the author's life in the criminal legal system and the conditions and hardships he has endured.

Lamont B. Heard Testimony

A letter about the author's experience as a "lifer" from a drug charge. He explains the cruelties and lack of opportunities in prison and the systematically racist system.

Mark Daniel Hartman Testimony

A letter describing the author's experience with the criminal legal system. He compared the different conditions of the facilities he was at based on cleanliness, confinement, and staff.

Robert Carolina Fowler Testimony

A letter describing the author's life in many different state prisons for the past 40 years. He ranked the facilities based on healthcare, programs, work opportunities, and staff.

Joey Dyer Testimony

A letter describing the author's experience serving a life sentence at different facilities. He explains the cruelty of prison culture, as well as the dynamics between guards and inmates and their abuse of power.

Alvin C. Hill Testimony

A letter describing the author's family and background, his role with gang activity and drug dealing. Includes reflection on different prisons he has been at and specific experiences. He takes on ownership for crimes but implores the need for change in the criminal justice system.

Ken Uncapher Testimony

A letter detailing the author's life and family background and how he seemed to live a very typical life: going to school, job, marriage, kids. Then the incidents that lead to his arrest and life sentences are described and how he has coped with the loss of his previous life.

Justin Rose Testimony

A letter describing the author's involvement in different projects and programs that has altered his few of prison life and mass incarceration. Trigger/Content Warning.

Shawn Commire Testimony

A letter detailing the author's experiences and the reasons he was unsupported and unprotected in childhood and how that resulted in a lifetime in prison. Attached is a poem written by the author and is a reflection on his life.

Terrance Douglas Coles Jr. Testimony (2)

A letter explaining the author's experience to the prison culture and prison politics. He expanded on the existence of racial segregation and gangs, and the discrimination occurring during the pandemic.

Raymond C. Walen Jr. Testimony

A letter documenting an extensive list of the author's published writings and works on topics ranging from unfair visitation rules to new court rules for appeals.

Wilson Rivera Testimony

A letter describing the author's childhood with an abusive and alcoholic father and a drug abusing, suicidal mother. Also reflects on gang participation and his experience in different prisons. Trigger/Content Warning.

Robert Lee Hills Testimony

A letter documenting the author's abusive relationship with his father and neglect from his mother as well as his interactions with the law and car theft. The author's describes different experiences in different correctional facilities and how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected life in prison. Trigger/Content Warning.

Taz Morris Darnall Testimony

A letter describing the author's life since childhood to the present and specific interactions and altercations with police, the courts system, juvenile detention centers and correctional facilities. Reflections also include child abuse suffered and the lasting mental and emotional impacts.

Christopher Reece Testimony

A letter documenting the author's multiple experiences since adolescence being in and out of different detention and correctional facilities. The mental, emotion, and physical trauma documented ranges from abuse of prescription medication to suicide. The letter also discusses the racial injustices and inequalities that blanket the criminal justice system. Trigger/Content Warning.

Terrance Douglas Coles Jr. Testimony

A letter describing the author's upbringing and injust experiences with the criminal legal system. He discussed the different conditions in each facility he was sent to and their different resources, as well as a few stories from his fellow inmates.

Daniel Meyers

The author documents his upbringing and experiences within the prison system since the age of 17 and in various different states. He reflects on the violence and abuse he both participated in and was subjected to. Additionally lists accomplishments from working with beneficial programs to enhance his writing and illustrating abilities.

Bryan Noonan

A letter acting as introduction to an attached essay regarding the author's upbringing, experience in the court system, and being incarcerated in proximity with violent individuals and reflections on personal development. The essay also reflects on the cultural of prisons and the experience of when being a white individual is being part of a minority group.

Jack S. Copeman Testimony (10): "If I Die in a Corrections Zone..."

A letter describing the author's experience being incarcerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. In his final installment, the author describes his life in the marine corps, prior to prison. He also discussed all the facilities he has stayed in and his attempted escape.

Jack S. Copeman Testimony (9): "If I Die in a Corrections Zone..."

A letter describing the author's experience being incarcerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. This installment provided updates in terms of the Coronavirus status at the author's facility, as well as a general life update. Attached is a document titled "MI-Cure News."

Jack S. Copeman Testimony (8): "If I Die in a Corrections Zone..."

A letter describing the author's experience being incarcerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reflections on military experience as well as the Veteran's Unit formed at this correctional facility. Attached is the announcement of the "New 2017 Veteran’s Unit'.

Jack S. Copeman Testimony (7): "If I Die in a Corrections Zone..."

A letter describing the author's experience being incarcerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Detailed accounts of COVID-19 testing within the facility as well as mention of previous illnesses in the facility and how health care is provided and of what quality care.

Jack S. Copeman Testimony (6): "If I Die in a Corrections Zone..."

A letter of a series documenting the author's experience being incarcerated during the COVID-19 pandemic and how the rise in positive cases is inflicting change within the prison conditions and expectations.

Jack S. Copeman Testimony (5): "If I Die in a Corrections Zone..."

A letter describing the author's experience being incarcerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Detailed accounts of lack of contact with visitors and lack of resources to make video calls but increased time spent watching news broadcasts. Notes of different attitudes within the facility regarding the spread of COVID-19.

Jack S. Copeman Testimony (4): "If I Die in a Corrections Zone..."

A letter documenting the author's experience being incarcerated during the COVID-19 pandemic and a reflection on the legal process, mental illness, and personal struggles as well as his reportings on the increased positive cases of COVID-19.

Jack S. Copeman Testimony (3): "If I Die in a Corrections Zone..."

A letter discussing the author's experience in prison during the COVID-19 pandemic and the behaviors of other inmates during this time. As well as the author's reflection on his time in prison and speculations for the possible future outcomes due to the virus.

Jack S. Copeman Testimony (2): "If I Die in a Corrections Zone..."

A letter detailing the author's experience in prison during the COVID-19 pandemic and the safety measures and precautions taken and the need for a more established system and resources.

Jack S. Copeman Testimony (1): "If I Die in a Corrections Zone..."

An introduction to a series of letters the author is working on developing, which will entail descriptions and details of the prison conditions under the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the first installment of a collection of 10 letters titled as "If I Die in a Corrections Zone."

Leo Paul Carmona Testimony

A letter discussing the author's experiences with his unjust sentence and the several injustices he faced in prison by staff and other fellow inmates.

James Martrice Brown Testimony

A letter describing the author's experience in prison serving a life sentence, and the injustices of the system.

George Coleman Benton Jr. Testimony

A letter discussing the author's time spent serving his invalid sentence and the conditions and environment he has been living in,

Jason Lee Badgley Testimony

A letter describing the author's experience with the criminal legal system, the conditions, and steps taken for rehabilitation.

Kenneth L. Anderson Testimony

A letter that describes the author's view of street violence, economic instability, and the subculture of the environment it stems from.

Leo Michael Ambler Testimony

A detailed letter documenting the author's encounters with the authority, the criminal justice system, and personal growth and developments while incarcerated. References to educational experiences in correctional facilities as well as during health crisis and illness outbreaks.