Itadakimasu by Darryl Headbird, Jr.

Itadakimasu

Ink and paint

The inspiration for this piece is my love of anime and manga. I could watch anime at my grandmother's and aunt's houses. So growing up, I could only see bits and pieces of my favorite shows. I still collect manga to this day.

Meet the artist: Darryl Headbird, Jr.

Darryl Headbird, Jr.

Identity Statement

I see myself as a soul in search of the truth of myself, and perhaps as an extension of the interconnected multiverse itself. I want others to see me as more than my crimes, because I came to prison as a 14 year old child. I am vastly different than the confused child who came into these prison walls 20+ years ago. I want to be seen as someone who has something to offer society rather than who I was. I consider growing up poor and coming to prison at such a young age an important aspect of myself. These two things gave me the impetus to better my condition, but it wasn't until I almost died in prison (for the first time) that I moved forward with bettering myself. I had an out of body experience, and it was then that I nurtured my spirit. Up until then "spirit" was an abstract word without a context for my logical brain to process. So, I hope my work will enliven your spirit. Peace.

What role does art play in your life?

Art has been the most useful tool to express myself, and without art I wouldn't know what life would be like. Imagine if Prince never became an artist,, and what would our world be like if that abstract part of the brain never existed? Art is part of the human condition, and so being human inspires my artwork.

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Strength in Heritage by Daniel Eguwe

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Pictures, Poems, and Notes by David Edward Lenarz, Jr.