Verified by 
If you have an interest in prison art and are remotely active on social media, chances are you’ve come across Anathema Art. I stumbled on it quite awhile ago and quickly learned what an amazing program it is. It was founded by Angela Luttrell, an artist and human rights activist from the Midwest.
As some of you know [and for those of you who don’t, Luttrell defines it right on her website] anathema means:
1) someone or something intensely disliked or loathed
2) a ban or curse solemnly pronounced by ecclesiastical authority and accompanied by excommunication
An obviously tongue-in-cheek handle, this program takes those who are disliked, cursed, even loathed—prison inmates—and provides for them an opportunity to be seen as human, to give them a voice and to be valued—through their art.
According to its founder:
Anathema Art (www.anathemaart.com) was established with the purpose of helping incarcerated artists use their time in prison to explore and utilize the healing and ameliorative properties of art; Anathema believes that every person has the ability to evolve into a new embodiment of themselves, and urges inmates to explore art in their healing and rehabilitative development.
We also use art as a form of determining someone’s placement and needs on social skills, perception of reality, finding new skills or trades they can pursue. Together our artists build resumes, hone skills and talents, set obtainable goals, and a long-term re-entry plan.
Several months ago, Luttrell reached out regarding a new program she was developing in yet another prison and simply wanted to begin a dialogue to float some new ideas. It was exciting to see how she operates; I have become fascinated by her work and drive—I consider myself lucky that she agreed to be interviewed for this blog. I sent her some interview questions and the conversation developed from there.
Who are you? Tell us a little bit about yourself; professional background? How did you get involved in the arts? What kind of art do you prefer to do?
I’m a mother of two, artist, human rights advocate, founder of FARCU in 2009 (an acronym of Freedom Art Respect Community and Unity) and Anathema Art in 2011. My involvement in art started serendipitously in my 20’s—I drew tattoo illustrations for friends to simply make money. A bar patron recognized my talent and bought the only four paintings I had completed. I realized I could turn my artistic vision into a career. I began exploring different media and styles, teaching myself along the way. In 2005, I obtained art representations from Las Vegas; this was the start of my art career. I work in many different media, but my primary focus today is acrylic and oil paints –I focus on the Abstract.
In 2013-2014 I volunteered for Arts in Prison where I implemented a 12-week arts curriculum and taught at the Lansing Correctional Facility instructing art.
How/why did you get involved with prisons? With prison art?
My childhood friend entered into the [prison] system at 19. I watched him grow up in the system, and saw him transform in a way so different than that portrayed in the media.
In prison each person needs to find what they call a “hustle”—a way in which he can use to trade, earn and use. My friends’ “hustle” was art; he found that he had a gift for portraiture. He would send me his work as gifts and also asked me to sell them for him so he could buy phone time, extra food, toiletries, bare necessities—commodities. By my late 20’s I had him doing commission pieces for others and it grew.
I believed I could change/reform prison using art. The concept for a prison art business was developed between me and a few other artists I knew who were inmates in [another prison].
Beyond that, I have family members, other friends, and my own personal experiences that keep me connected to the prison system.
Its been rewarding. For example, one of my students said to me, “I’m getting out in 5 months and I’ll see you back here.” Of course I was alarmed—why anyone would plan on coming back to prison? He explained he had no skills; that he has always dealt drugs. I asked him how much he made as a dealer—he told me about 20k a month.
To succeed, I knew we needed to find positives in the negative. He must have had leadership skills if he ran drug crews; he had excellent sales skills, and was great with numbers. I then asked him what his passion was. That was challenging; he didn’t see any personal redeeming qualities. However, after digging deeper he admitted that he loved a clean car above all else—in fact, he did his own auto detailing because nobody could rise to his standards. From all of this, a legal and obtainable goal was developed—a portable car detail shop.
Art sometimes, is the power to create something new in us. As Scott Adams says, “Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.”
You seem to have a profound respect for the art done by prison inmates—where does this stem from?
In the free world we have all the possibilities of different types of paints, brushes, paper and canvases; we create our own mood and find the perfect settings. In prison, it’s not just a hobby to create something—-it’s a passion to find the surface, create a pallet out of the scant supplies offered or created—the genuine creativity is amazing.
We work on creating artists statements, the key questions: Where have you been? Where are you now? Where are you going? This helps the artist start to identify with who they are, what is their current situation and how to obtain a goal. It makes for a successful plan for creating a future.
One of the artists we worked with used M&M’s for his paints and brushes made from Q-Tips and his hair [ed. note: Coincidentally, it turned out to be the “Candy Man” featured in the recent post: The Candy Man: A Prisoner Paints with Delectable Materials]. You learn to become resourceful.
I have a great deal of respect for anyone who can endure prison. Prison is prison regardless if it is in an 8x10ft cell or in the back of your mind. I’ve spent time in both. Without art, I wouldn’t be here today communicating with you.
What do you see are the redeeming, if any, qualities of art done by prison inmates? What is the value? Why have them do art?
Art can bring a powerful awareness about oneself; it helps connect mind, body, and emotions. I tell my students if they feel angry, put it on a canvas instead. Prison is a very negative place and to have an outlet for them to produce something positive is certainly redeeming. Art is productive and even a finished piece is something for them to look forward to, for their families.
The value is shown in the change of the inmate. Many people underestimate the power of art and the message.
Some people may even argue that once locked up, inmates have nothing coming to them—certainly, people have reacted the same way about giving them an opportunity to make art. How do you respond to your critics? Your detractors?
Information. I try to convey that even though someone is incarcerated he or she is still a human, not just their mistakes; Have you not never made a poor choice? Longevity of retribution isn’t productive to anyone and surely not to society as a whole when 80% of the prison population will be released back into society. They will be our neighbors, walk the streets with our children, become our co-workers.
People fail to understand that some of these same people also have parents who die, who will not find out within the first 24 hours—some won’t hear weeks or even months later. How do you expect someone not to react? They have children they can no longer support; they miss birthdays and family reunions. Their choices created this life but we can’t deny their humanity.
Just this week I had an inmate that wrote to me telling me his daughter had been raped; how do you respond to that? We have friends and peers, Facebook, to talk to and offer support. They have nothing but their thoughts.
We are the United States of America; we are the land of the free, yet we have the highest incarceration rate in the world. Would you rather have an inmate occupying their time pushing drugs or moving artwork?
I don’t necessarily believe that anyone deserves anything in the sense of materialistic or a “free ride” but I believe we shouldn’t take away ones spirit to change for the better.
People should never underestimate the value of art; its one of the healthiest forms of communication. Its science—what goes in must come out.
How has Anathema been received by others?
Many people “talk” about what a good deed it is but unless you know someone or it affects you directly it’s not a concern. I also have lost peers and acquaintances who say “I can’t believe you would help those kind of people”. My reply has always been, someone like me?
Any particular piece over the years that you are drawn towards? One that sings to you?
I have 2 pieces of works, One by Michael Prostka (see piece below); I connect to it on every level.
And "Hatred to Hope" a written piece by Don Brown-it can be found here: http://www.anathemaart.com/from-hatred-to-hope-by-donald-brown/
Knowing who he was and the man he is today inspires me to be a better person, and provides hope there is still good people in this world.
_____________________________________
**For more information about Anathema Art, and Angela Luttrell, please check out her website at: http://www.anathemaart.com
and like her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnathemaArt
