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Art from Inside 2021
Welcome to an Exhibition of prisoners’ artwork from around Australia. This year’s theme is ‘Hope’. We invite you to browse the artworks on this site in this online exhibition.
The Water Hole
Luigi
"I like the outback country. I hope this goes to a good home."
Untitled
Robert B
Clare
Jodi U
Rusty the Rabbit
Kayne W
"Rusty hopes to live another day."
Love in Isolation
Amber R
This piece of artwork I thought was quite fitting for the theme ‘hope’ for this exhibition. I
was inspired by the tragedy of the pandemic throughout various magazines that promoted
awareness and the severity of COVID19 within people’s lives. The particular image, very simi-
lar to the one you see here, caught my eye. I saw the connection between the couples, being a wedding. What more represents being connected to someone than marriage. Although in saying this, isolation still plays a huge role within this drawing as the couple are both wearing face masks when the groom kisses the bride."
N/A
Gemma C
Funky Christian Fish Symbol
Stuart R
"Christ’s message and dying for us literally gives us hope to enter heaven in grace."
Romans 15:13
Prisoner - Brisbane Women’s Correctional Centre
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.”
Virgin Mary
Park
"I grew up with a single mum. I saw how hard it is. I know how people look. So I picked Virgin Mary as a symbol of motherhood, and hope people change their view of single mums."
Outside the Negative
Prisoner - Woodford Correctional Centre
"While I am incarcerated through God’s love, I have the strength and hope to rise above my circumstances."
Sunset Dreams
Prisoner - Wolston Correctional Centre
"I learned to paint watching Bob Ross re-runs. This painting was inspired by a sunset viewed over nine-block. Thoughts of home consistently linger, and Hope remains."
Twisted Logic and Hope
A bed or a Coffin?
Andrew D
In the Dark
Vanessa W
"The little cross shows the ‘hope in the darkness’. Hope seems like light."
God Bless
Prisoner - Woodford Correctional Centre
"Bushfire, destruction, rain, regeneration, and HOPE."
Garden of Hope Crucifix
Zoe W
"The cross is a symbol of hope. I have added to the expression of hope by embossing living
plants into the surface. Apuriya tikina rt, gardening and plants are something that I enjoy and they help me be hopeful."
High Hopes
Prisoner - Brisbane Women’s Correctional Centre
"This picture is trying to portray that we all live in Hope. I live in the Hope that I can rebuild the walls I destroyed every day before coming to jail – I Hope."
Up the Road
Bradley P
Beauty is Everywhere
Prisoner - Woodford Correctional Centre
"The cane toad is detested by most people, just like convicted criminals. However, I have the Hope and strength to see the beauty in myself and the cane toad through God's love."
Wish upon a Star
Gemma C
"Since ancient times we have scanned the night sky for signs of things to come, for hope."
Winter on the Lake
Bradley P
A Cat
Robert B
Alone
Vanessa W
"‘Alone’ this elephant seeks food and water in the hope of survival."
Blizzard Hut
Adrian S
Autumn Colours in Torres del Paine
Kevin R
"Creation itself attests to the reality of a Creator and which is supported by numerous scripture texts in both the Old and New Testaments of The Holy Bible, a library written over a period of 2000 years, using 3 languages under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, to tell one unified story affirming that God is one God, creator, Saviour and Judge. He being all powerful, all knowing and eternal, His character is holy, good, loving and just, all these attributes being mirrored in Jesus Christ, His only son and who is our Lord and Saviour."
Hope is in the Cross
Prisoner - Maryborough Correctional Centre
"The bloody sweat fell to the ground. Blood flowed from his wounded temples, the principalities and powers of darkness assembled around."
Burning
Jenny
"When people look at this, I want them to see that beyond the darkness that we might feel around us, there's fire burning inside of us. A fire that represents our yearning for life, and hope for the future. Never lose sight of that. No matter how little this fire may be, let it burn until it grows. Until the times comes taht we don't minf the darkness anymore because we can only see the light. Keep the fire burning!"
Flames Equal Hope
Nigel G
"Being NAIDOC week, Indigenous people always have hope when they had flames."
Church of Hope
Cody S
Let it Be
Anon
"Feel the rhythm of the beating drum, the exotic pleasures of a foreign land, immerse your-
self. Great spirit hear me, my heart and soul are broken. Give me the courage to fight, and
find worth. The strength to understand . The eyes to see hope. Guide me to my spirit with-
in. Surround me in love and light. Wipe away my tears. Let me find faith again. Show me
the rainbow in this dark storm. Bring me home to my family."
Axe for Axston my son
Sherridan W
Hope Beginning
Skye L
Mitchy the Major
Kayne W
Raw Emotion
Anon
"A first love will leave you raw with a glimmer of hope for things to come. In essence, this is
my recapturing of a first love. The serenity, the bliss, the hope that exists for the briefest
moment before realising the rest of the world still exists. First love may not always last but it
gives us hope for the future. Hope for me manifests in the moments that through adversity we find who we truly are, and return to the world stronger and wiser from our experience."
Kakarot
Dane
"I drew my favourite character from the TV show, Dragon Ball Z, Goku. The message from the artwork would be to have a fighting spirit that never gives up hope."
The Resurrection of Christ
Stuart R
"Christ’s resurrection literally gives hope for all of us by ridding us of that original sin issue."
Are of Australian Culture #3
Garry B
Jesus
Prisoner - Brisbane Women’s Correctional Centre
"Love, Hope & Faith are in our hands. By praying with Jesus, we can unite together."
Patchwork
Natalie M
"Hope it fits? I wish I could sew again—Most I can do is draw..... Hoping for fabric?"
The Crucifice
Nigel G
"Often a crucifix represents hope for all."
With Hope, Faith & Belief the World is our Oyster
Prisoner - Brisbane Women’s Correctional Centre
"With hope, belief, and the Lord’s faith, we can have the word in the palm of our hands. It will help guide us on the road to a better life filled with the guidance of the Lord. As he hands us hope to take into our hearts."
A Horse named ‘HOPE’
Natalie M
"What can you hope for in prison? Hope, your horse comes in first? Hope to the future? Bet
on a horse named Hope, to cheer for hope!"
Hope
Park
"I wish through this artwork, people are able to understand that hope is based on allowing a person to be who he/she is, nut not what he/she does. Qing Lin
"I believe one who has found that hope is come from the work, does not come from a word. That he/she will have their hope. It is as simple as that"
Hope
Anita B
"I called this 'Hope' because flowers bloom and die but then bloom again."
The Sacrifice of Life - The Lord Jesus
Brett
"This painting of the Lord Jesus Christ after his passing is very powerful to me in my mind and heart. For a person to sacrifice their own life like that Lord Jesus did so we all can live a better life is amazing, and I hope that others can see that sacrifice. For he hoped that giving his life would help and give us hope of a better place for the future."
Rainbows and Flowers
Karen W
"Flowers have a nice scent. They are giving in their appearance. Rainbows are colourful and
they make me feel hopeful. I have put the two together because they are both symbols of
hope for me."
Sign of Hope
Zoe W
"I made this ceramic wall hanging to remind the viewer to always have a little bit of hope."
Photo Frames #1
Cody S
Hope for Serenity
Bradley P
"After watching Bob Ross, I thought I’d have a go."
Untitled
Last Wild Animal
Park
"One day I was watching a documentary of wild animals - there are hardly any left. One baby giraffe had been rescued by a human, and his family and friends had been killed by a human. I hope we respect will animals and nurture more before it's too late."
Pink n Blue Mountains
Adrian S
New World
Park
"I hope one day we all become one, and there is no more war, racism, and politics etc. Life is too short!"
Matchstick Engine Block
Michael H
Bliss of Hope
Aaron S
"There is always hope of a brighter future on the other side of the mountains."
Sunset in the bush in Australia
Robert B
Jesus / Soap Box
Nathan B
The Dove
Con
"My artwork is best described as a spinning hanging mobile mosaic collage, expressing the dual themes of hope and hopelessness. In this art piece I wish to express the importance of believing in hope. I do this by showing hope on one side of the painting, and the antithesis, hopeless, on the opposite side of the painting."
Breaking Waves in the Moonlight
Robert B
Mrs Butterfly
Natalie M
Mary
Dale
"A symbol that we are being looked after by a strong woman, and hope for better living with a strong woman figure with us flowers are for what has grown."
Church of Hope
Cody
Unity in Jail
Prisoner - Brisbane Women’s Correctional Centre
"How we all unite when we have been incarcerated, no matter colour, creed, religion, or culture."
Pencil of a Deer
Robert B
"When hunting in NZ I came across this one deer in the herd and his image has stuck with me."
Untitled
Allan J
Rose
Mohammed
"A rose is a very special type of flower that is used to represent all extremes of emtion, ranging from love to condolence. It represents hope and love in all situations. I recall a saying, 'Love is like a flower - it dies with time'. The beauty of my painting is that my rose will always portray love and hope."
Hope you Wood
Damien H
"Sure hope you wood write back."
Life on Outside
Stuart R
"So, looking out my cell window I notice the camera poles and light poles and barbed razor
wire circling the prison yard. Beyond is a verdant bush land and open sky; full of potential, which reminds me life is going on and will be there for me to join in and share when I’m
released. It gives me hope for the future. So, I trust it fits the competition theme."
Toy Helicopter Rescue
Geoff D
Kangaroo Dream
Danger
"This work is for my grandson, whose hope and dream is to become a pilot. I chose the Qantas symbol, because it not only represents a famous Australian company, but also has the Red Kangaroo, which is deeply embedded in my culture."
Waterfall #2
Bradley P
Nature’s Window
Kevin R
"As a full moon rises over Kalbarri National Park in W.A. the setting sun highlights the rocky
arch of Nature’s Window and tints on the horizon in its golden glow. Soon night will fall and the heavens will be aglow with the countless stars of the Milky Way. Upon reflecting on this
scenario, the words of the psalmist David came to mind. 'The heavens declare the Glory of God and the firmament shows forth His handiwork'. (Ps. 19)"
Red Eastern Dragon
Peter
"This Eastern Dragon brings fortune and peace to the world for the present and in future."
Lamp Lighter
Tilak
"The artwprk I have painted protrats my life. I foud inspiration through a picture by the Treasuty Project, Vision Australia. It reminded me that no matter how dark and cold my world had become, that there is always hope on offer to illuminate my world. All I had to do was put my trust in that hope and let it guide me. That hope is Christ Jesus."
Don't Let Anyone Tell You Who You Are
Prisoner - Southern Queensland Correctional Centre
"This young lady’s mum is in prison with me. I have heard so much about her from many women and how she’s beaten with all the odds, so I agreed to paint her portrait. When it was done, I felt it needed more – her own story, in her own words. She brings hope to all young girls that need a positive role of model. She overcomes all the obstacles and refuses to be another statistic. I commend this young woman for her strength, her hope in the future, and for making her hopes and dreams come true, one at a time."
Hope
Crystal K
Jesus Once Said
Dale
"It says a lot in those words, 'My peace I give to you.'"
Hope
Bilal
"Hope is the gleaming light in our hearts. It adorns and cheers our soul. Even in the darkest of places, hope lights our path. Lift without hope is a life without meaning."
The Lady Diana Legacy
Brett
"No matter what life throws at us, there is tsill hope that with a little help we can achieve any goal we set. I hope for peace and for the ward and violence to stop. I hope that no more children have to suffer or die through adult anger and greed. Let's stop the fighting and have hope for future peace."
Hope
Peta T
"Hope to me means things that I want in my life and areas where I can grow and develop and improve in. A little help from the Creator always helps."
Hope, Sewing, Relax
Natalie M
Catch a Glimpse
Zoe W
"A little bit of hope goes a long way. The more hope that I’m getting, the brighter the future
is looking for me with the goals I’m achieving."
Seahorse
Natalie M
Rainbow in the Clouds
Gemma C
2 Corinthians 4 8-10. 'We are afflicted in every way but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed."
"In the past year I have travelled down the path of faith. My renewed sense of hope began
with the first passage. When the second piece of literature crossed my path my hope was
amplified as I resonate deeply with both. This piece is my interpretation of the following.
'When it looked like the sun wouldn’t shine again. God put a rainbow in the clouds.'"
Hand of Hope
Kylie
"My picture I have named the 'Hand of Hope'. The last 9 years I have loved, laughed good
times and a lot of hope. Before coming to jail, life was fairly hard. I found love, hope, and
trust again after a long battle of mental and physical abuse. I thank my family and my partner in my life and being in jail has taught me that hope of a better life will be bigger and better when I get out."
Birds of Paradise
Peta T
"When I see that our creator has made such a beautiful flower in the shape of a bird I believe
that hope is possible. We just need to work and believe in ourselves."
Pandora’s Box
Christopher C
"This work is a depiction of the story of Pandora’s Box from Greek myth. In a version of the story of original sin, Pandora, the first woman, was given a box as a gift by the gods of Olym-
pus and told to never open it. Succumbing to curiosity, Pandora looked inside the box and
out flew all the woes and evils that beset mankind. In some versions of the tale, the last
sprite to escape the box was hope, who had been placed in the bottom of the box by the
gods out of pity for humanity. For with hope all things may be endured."
Heads Up High
Prisoner - Southern Queensland Correctional Centre
Hope, Seed of the Future
Daniel
"I want my painting to demonstrate that even after devastation and vast loss, hope is abundant, and provides the nourishment and energy for growth and renewal. Despite all that is happening now, these times will pass and may way for a future."
Firmly Standing
Jenny
"Christ carried that cross for us. God loves us so much taht he gave His son's life for oue salvation. That cross sohuld always remind us that no matter how hard life gets, we have to continue fighting. If we hold onto our faith, there's always hope. It may seem scary and impossible, but hope is strgoner than fear. Hope makes us want to fight. Hope makes us want to live."
Candle Burning
Ian
"The humble servants who inspire our hope within for a better self, they are the tendesr of the candle burning. By providing the spark, maintaining the wick, and renewing the wax form, hope is maintained in darkness and maelstrom. There is always hope - the Eternal Flame is embodied in many icons through history and modern rite. The fellows within require tending, attention, and hope for a future day."
Pandoras Box
Shane
"The myth of Pandora's Box is one of the oldest stories of hope, where the curious girl, Pandora, opened the box unleashing evil into the world, but realising what remained was hope. I feel this story can be updated to come from our faith in Jesus Christ, as symbolised by the cross on the box containing our hope."
Are of Australian Culture #2
Garry B
Eagle / Soap Carving
Nathan B
Alaska Cabin in the snow in the mountains
Robert B
Rose Garden Gone Wild
Gemma C
"Shifting mindsets and exploding patterns. This artwork is about healing and ending the war I
fight with myself. It’s an age old question—Can a zebra change it’s stripes? My answer is,
YES. I believe until we change out perception of ‘knowing’, we will continue to claw at false
cages. My reality surpasses my wildest dreams and has left me holding onto hope that my-
self and others will allow and support me to grow free from shadows. Too often we force
ourselves to label what we see, hear, taste or touch. Before you apply a label, consider that
definition destroys exploration. ‘Art is never done being art’."
Iceberg
Vanessa W
"Global warming is melting the Arctic dramatically. I still hope my great grandchildren will see the icebergs still, and that animals that rely on them are still around."
Sunset at Night with a Lookout
Robert B
The Two Wolves
Prisoner - Southern Queensland Correctional Centre
"Every day as an individual, I struggle to make the right life decisions as well as trying to prove myself to others, however with this art exhibition, I thought to use the story of the old Cherokee who told his grandson about the battle between two wolves inside all of us, one is a devil, and the other is good.
The evil wolf represents anger, jealousy, greed, weakness, lies, and ego. The good wolf represents joy, peace, love, hope, humanity, kindness, empathy, and truth in that story.
The grandson asks his grandfather which wolf wins, and the grandfather replies, “the one you feed the most.”
So as I look into my own life and ask myself what hope means to me, I’d say hope is being able to have victory in feeding the good wolf living inside me. I hope that I will realize and think that I am not the wrong person like the devil wolf. I can be a good wolf or human being that shows joy, peace, love, hope, humility, kindness, empathy, and truth.
I hope in the future that I learn to feed the good wolf inside of me by putting myself first before others and reminding myself that being selfish to better me is OK and learning not to feed the ego of the evil wolf by constantly resorting to violence as a solution to my life decisions."
Gentle Giant
Vanessa W
"This was created using a decorated background and adding ‘negative space’ to create the image. It was a totally different way to paint and I really enjoyed it."
Untitled
Allan J
H.O.P.E
Prisoner - Brisbane Women’s Correctional Centre
"Hold On, Pain Ends"
Love & Lost
Prisoner - Southern Queensland Correctional Centre
The Hope/Less
N. Sita
"Hopeless is my name, Hopeless is where I stay.
The elements in my cell becomes the evidence of my shame.
Left to a dark place never to regain
The prospect of life seems so far away.
As the light dims in me the rope snapped -
and I fell on my knees.
With tears of hopelessness streaming from my face,
I heard a bird whistling.
It drew my attention away.
I soon realised it was day.
My feeling starts to changes as the bird is whistling away.
Hope, Hope...the bird was saying.
It was then I realised that my name has changed.
Hope is my name. Hope is where I stay.
Hope that through God's light, will bring peace to my shame.
Love always,
Hope."
Rainbow Horse
Danger
"My hope and vision for this work is to be united spiritually with my granddaughter, whom I have never met physically. The pony is my granddaughter's favourite animal, and the rainbow background is a symbol of our hope to meet one day soon."
Family Photo Frame
Cody S
"I make these frames for my kids. Some are match sticks and some are not. The kids put photos of me and them in them. I am about to do a Richmond Tigers one and the kids will put
photos of their favourite players."
Are of Australian Culture #1
Garry B
Are of Australian Culture #4
Garry B
Flower Power
Jacqueline F
"My artwork is called ‘Flower power’. Dedicated to my ‘Omi’ as she loved flowers and was an angel in the garden. She made everything grow."
Chapel Altar
Terry
"My vision for this piece is that you can continue to try your best, even though you are incarcerated, and that everyones makes mistakes, but it is important to forgive and move forward once again. As I researched and created the altar, I once again applied patience, which I didn't have a a virtue before being arrested. The power of the Holy Spirit does fill me with hope; I do trust Him.
I would like to acknowledge Daniel, who assisted me in the construction of this piece."
Love gives me hope
Karen W
Horizon
Anita B
Limbo
Gemma C
"I know where I have been, unsure if where I am going. I am healing, but still broken. Happy,
yet in pain. Limbo. Steinbeck once said 'and now that you don’t have to be perfect, be
good.' So simply put.. Be good."
Hope Beyond the Sunset
Kevin R
The words of a song by Hank Williams ‘BEYOND THE SUNSET’ came to mind when I came across a photo of ‘CERRO TORRE’ which is located in Patagonia, South America and which feature is depicted in this artwork. ‘Beyond the sunset oh blissful morning when with our saviour heaven is begun. Earth’s toiling ended Oh, Glory dawning BEYOND THE SUNSET when day is done’. These words underline a hope that people of faith would hold to viz. that beyond this vale of tears there is a land that is fairer than day and that when our life’s pilgrimage is ended we’ll see our Saviour, face to face."
Maatsuyker Island Lighthouse
Robert B
Untitled
Allan J
Sleepy City
Adrian S
Distance
Adam O
House of Hope
Geoff D
Caterpiller
Joshua D
I Hope I didn’t Scare You?? LOL!!
Natalie M
"Just having a little laugh. It’s good for everyone. A little mouse, casting a big shadow is just a little mouse. LOL!"
New Beginnings
Gemma C
"I once read, pain is not tragic. Pain is magic. Every failure is a blessing in disguise, providing
it teaches some needed lesson one could not have learned without it. Most so-called failures
are only temporary defeats. The biggest beacon of hope for me is new life. Whether it is a birth or transformation. Life is magic. I will hold onto that hope as I move forward from an
arduous past. Every temporary defeat will be counteracted with perseverance and determi-
nation. The future is bright."
Hope for the return of Spring
Natalie M
"Hope for the return of Spring. All the colours of the rainbow. Fresh, dreamy, relaxing, flowery, SPRING!"
Untitled
Allan J
All tracks lead to somewhere
Damien S
350 Chev
Cody S
"Made from matchsticks and mdf board. It took a couple of hours everyday for a couple of
months."
The Lobster Returns Home
Prisoner - Brisbane Women’s Correctional Centre
"A female lobster is torn from her family and thrown into a new world alone and scared until she finds her way home back to her beautiful family.
Maori Drawing/Polynesian Story"
One Hopes Four Peace
Damian H
"The only problem is the hate filled people out there don’t want it to happen. They cause
wars because of their self-indulgence and egos. They start wars then have the gall to say
they didn’t. While peace talks cannot bring peace to the conflict due to constant denials and lies. Especially if there are no peace talks happening. There are no winners in war because everyone loses something in the conflict."
Dream
Anita B
Sacrifice for New Growth
Brett
"This painting is very rewarding to me, as I have only been painting and drawing a short time. I look and take note of just how much nature needs food, water, and nutrition to survive, as we do. The life of the older landscape dies off, making room for the younger generation of growth to thrive and shine through, giving hope that the sacrifice of the elders dying is respected. And we hope with our passing making room for new generations is hopefully respected and noticed."
Bluebird of Hope
Natalie M
"The blue wren of Tasmania. I love it. Every time I see it, it cheers me up—gives me hope."
The Eagle
Con
"In my painting I wish to express the importance of believing in hope. Especially in believing in fate, faith, trust, and hope during my darkest times in gaol. The eagle represents Jesus Christ and his resurrection. It's a combination of Byzantine Iconography, and Australian Aboriginal people's artwork. The eagle flies over lanf, rivers, between mountains, valleys, then forward into the desert. Hopefully it reaches the other side of Australia and beyond."
Secret Garden
Gemma C
Conference Lectern
By Kaurasi -
"The idea of this design art work came about as a team idea due to an upcoming visit from the government. With ten days notice, we thought it would be a great project to promote inmate talent.
My vision and statement about this artwork are that there is hope for inmates who wish to choose active rehabilitation programs through CSI Industries. This will help them to gain real world training on leading edge software and machinery for manufacturing. It will also assist on-job training through Fabrication and Furniture workshop with opportunities in prototyping prior to manufacture. As a result of the training, inmates will also benefit by learning skills in estimate and costing of projects."
Forget Me Knots
Prisoner - Brisbane Women’s Correctional Centre
"After nine years, five and a half years to go, I hope I am not forgotten. Forgiven, but not forgotten. Hope is life after hardship, being broken and sewn back together, better than ever before. I am at peace when I have hope."
Crochet & Acrylic Canvas
Sunset
Adrian S
Davesfly
Anita B
"Dave is my partner and he loves this dragonfly that I had drawn when I was home. I called it
Davesfly and it is my hope I hold on to."
Snow Field
Adrian S
Nature’s Glory
Gemma C
"Gaze admiringly at its vibrant hues, and it will gaze right back at you. Transport yourself,
just one glance and you’re whisked away on a safari getaway. Bask in the warmth of the
radiant sun. Savour the air in your lungs. Revel in the majestic calls of the elephants and
feel your heart skip a beat into the sweeping vistas. But if you look below the surface you
will discover the essence. At the end of every dark tunnel is a ray of light. This sunset en-
sures you don’t forget it. Hold onto hope, the sun will rise again."
The Beacon in the Storm
Amanda M
"Lighthouses weather storms and no matter the storm, continue to stand, a symbol of ongo-
ing resilience, perseverance, and stability regardless of the circumstances surrounding them. Every storm is weathered, and every storm passes."
COVID
Anita B
"I hope that the Covid “masked life” will be over one day and we can all get back to normal."
Bare Strength
Anon
"Strength is not something that is bestowed upon us; it often must be forged by us. When
you’re backed into a corner you quickly realise you are stronger than you know. Hope is lost
and survival your only instinct. Slowly, as time passes and strength regained, hope returns. I
see glimmers of justice and greener pastures. In my faith, the bear is a symbol of strength.
In times of hardship, my faith helps me to hold onto hope."
Spiritual Love
Prisoner - Brisbane Women’s Correctional Centre
ROLLING WAVES
New dreams, hope, and life are almost like an onion when you peel off layers. The waves can roll out the bad and bring good to all of us if we allow it.
HAND HOLDING A HEART
Spiritual goodness is in our hearts if we allow GOD into our faith. He is always in our hearts, and He brings life to all of us.
WINDOWS & BRICKS
The windows of opportunity allow us to follow our dreams, better ourselves, be better leaders. The bricks are our holding posts to be strong, have courage and be successful after prison.
BLUE SKY
Every day is a new day in the prison world, and you cant hold a grudge, can't plan. You can only go forward. You can only do you in prison. You can only daydream in the blue sky, look at it, and you will see.
SWIRLING COLOURS
We go through different phases, as most of us rely on GOD in our spiritual journey, as we pray with others and guide them to their faith."
PEACE
Kristy S
"My artistic process involved a lot of laughs. Although I was in jail, this time was a very happy time. It was also done on my birthday. It was by far the highlight of my day. I painted a
peace sign to promote peace and hope for not only the remainder of my time in jail but for
my release and for the days ahead for me and my family."
Jail Hands
VOTS
"The message that I want the viewer to take away from the painting is that no matter what happens in life or where you end up, is to never lose hope that things can get better. Sometimes all it takes for a prisoner to change their lives is to be a given a chance.
Unbroken
Vanessa W
'This heart broke during firing. Similar to life, heartache comeswhen we go through tough
times. It has been repaired with gold and I believe it has turned out more beautiful than
when it was “Unbroken”.'
Photo Frames #2
Cody S
Hands
Josh P
"The circles symbol life. Where there’s life, there’s hope. The lines are chaos etc, they are incomplete as the hands symbolize family that step in, tough times don’t last, tough people
do."
Sacrifice
Country Art & Soul
Prisoner - Palen Creek Correctional Centre
"Before prison, I had lived most of my life in a rural community, and I know how tuff it is to maintain a healthy lifestyle and living in hope, so this picture tells the story of hope, with greener landscapes and rebuilt rural communities."
Girl with the Balloons
Josh P
Landscape
Peter
"The inspiration of this artwork comes from light and orientation. This 'Light House' bring the beauty of lighting, life orientation, and hope of life."
Darkness & Hope
Kristel C
"When you understand too much but you don’t understand. Very wise and played for a fool, going backwards, peace, harmony, proactively finding solutions for others except myself. Broken here, broken there, broken everywhere."
Watercolour Butterfly
Natalie M
"I wish I could emerge from here, beautiful, like a butterfly but at the very least I’ll be hopeful
for wings."
The Past is Calling
Prisoner - Southern Queensland Correctional Centre
"I found this picture in an old magazine and was struck by the “Old vs. New” old traditional man and the bright red phone. To me, he represents the past, all the values our grandparents, no matter what race or nationality stood for. He calls into the future, telling the younger generations that the only hope for the future is returning to basic human kindness and values. Give before you take manners, respect, value others, and help where and when you can. Be someone your forefathers will be proud of. This is the only hope we have in saving future generations."
Mum’s Luck
Jacqueline F
"My artwork is dedicated to my mum as elephants and colour always made her happy. It brought me hope whilst I was in lockdown."
Waterfall #1
Bradley P
Joy and Peace After Sorrow and Misery
Haydar
"When we have faith in the God of hope, we never lose hope. After stress there is ease. Joy comes after sorrow and misery. God is able to raise us from death. The bottom cracks in my painting are my Arabic name, and the top writing is me calling, O God!"
A boat called ‘Hope’
Vanessa W
Landscape
Peter
"The inspiration of the artwork came from the natural environment, nature, and earth. This 'heaven on Earth' brings a beautiful natural environment created by God."
Imaginarium
Gemma C
High Needs
Kristel C
"HOPE is overrated, just relax and go with the flow!"
Free Like a Bird
Madison
"The dove's wings being spread represents freedom, and to me that tells me there is hope for my future. Psalm 17, 'Hide me in the shadow of your wings' gives me hope that God will keep me safe in my future."
Rising Sun
Anon
Darkness n Light
Zoe W
"After living my life full of darkness for so long now I can’t remember. With the hope I have found I can now see that there is light at the end if I keep wanting and working hard for it."
At War with My Emotions
Prisoner - Southern Queensland Correctional Centre
There are two sides to every person, good and bad, happy and sad. I am always at war with my emotions.
Red signifies the worst of me, the anger I feel, the negative thoughts I think, the violence I reflect on myself and others around me.
Blue signifies the humble and calm side within me, the person that smiles and laughs that breakdown and cries but Souljah through the tough times. The person that loves and cares for the people I love and for my family.
Both are part of my personality, and it's who I am. I want to change some of the things I do to be a better person.
I hope to find a balance between the two."
“… for people drowning within a system of noise – lacking in communication skills – art may be the last communication device. It becomes a piece of the potential for peaceful holistic rehabilitation.
Sarah Tucker
Keynote speaker, Art from Inside 2020