Miguel Hernandez

Hello! my name is Miguel Hernandez I currently reside in Huntsville, Texas at the O.B.Ellis unit. I have been incarcerated since 2012 and I'm eligible for parole in 2035. I am on my thirteenth year now, so just a few more years to go. throughout my life I've always loved all kinds of art. I remember going to the museum as a child and seeing all the wonderful artifacts and paintings and then growing up and seeing one of my buddies tag a wall in our neighborhood. I was in awe seeing how he prepared his materials and how he planned and sketched it all out to the finished product. l've always wanted to be able to produce any kind of art but I always felt like the only way that was possible was if God touched you and gave you that gift. I never believed I was that blessed. Until I came to prison. I figured since I'm going to be here for awhile I get to choose what I want to do with my time and how I want to take advantage of it. I decided now is the time to learn to draw and be proud of something positive. I am a work in progress everyday. but,everyday I put the pencil to the board I allow myself to escape from daily pressures, stress, and even loneliness for a little bit of time at least. drawing these portraits provides me an outlet to be creative and to learn something new everyday. and I hope will allow me to support myself financially, even if its only a little at a time. thank you for reading my artist statement and I hope you enjoy looking at the work in front of you as much as I did drawing them. with much respect and appreciation.