Welcome to my blog. I arrived in prison in 1997at the age of nineteen. I hardly know what a blog is… I am an emerging fine artist with a burgeoning exhibition history. To learn more about me go to <www.seanjwhiteartist.com>.
Palette Expansion
Q: Who hires a plumber to fix car?
A: A government agency requesting bids for private contractor.
Several years ago the Wisconsin Department of Corrections contracted with several private corporations to sell art materials to its prisoners. Committees measured and weighed security concerns to develop a list of allowable items. The earliest catalogs consisted of material intended for children.
It can be debated whether prison serves as punishment… or for punishment, yet the overarching fact of the matter is that incarcerated persons have large quantities of empty time. Prisons need to fill that time with constructive endeavors.
Many people in prison have a great deal of creative talent. As much as incarcerated people should have their time filled with creative endeavors, the endeavors should be meaningful. Materials intended for children fail to promote that idea.
The Wisconsin DOC and its contractors have made improvements. They now offer a selection of F. Martin/Weber water soluble oils. Although that step allows me to continue my painting practice — and permits many others to develop their own– additional improvements are still needed, including , but not limited to a better brush selection, a better pencil selection, and more pen and ink material.
EXHAUSTED
Sean White Artist 