N. Schwartz 

Why do you use the medium you use?

I use Acrylic paints primarily because they are fairly easy to work with for someone that is in their 2nd learning year. Secondly, acrylic paint is more environmentally friendly because there is no oil by-products and the paint dries to a hard shell without the need to varnish. Plus, it's waterproof when it dries so if an accident happens and water or other fluid spills on it, it will not harm the painting.

What role does art play in your life?

Art has a pretty big role in my life because it is a way that I can express myself in a positive and productive way. That way I am not getting in trouble.

What inspires you to create?

Everything and Anything. I really like to paint wildlife and nature scenes. I grew up on a cow and crop farm, and I miss it so much so I paint them to remind me of what I am missing while I am in prison. It's a way to keep my mind focused on my release date and not doing anything to keep me from it!

Transformation Statement

Transformation to means that I change in some way and it may not always be for the better. For example, when I came to prison, I was a happy go-lucky kind of spirit. Since the last 8 years, I have grown more jaded and no longer care about people that I don't know. I realize this and it makes me mad at myself because I know I am only seeing the worst humanity has to offer. As time goes on, I really hope to address this issue and get back to my old self again. This is why I have started to make art, to transform my thinking and help me rediscover the beauty in this world and the opportunities my country has to offer. Also, making art is very therapeutic and calming to the soul!