Meet the Artist: Lennell Maurice Martin
Inspiration:
I have submitted four drawings and paintings that were all inspired by the higher principles of love, justice, redemption, healing, grace, beauty, strength and wisdom.
All of these portraits have several things in common. The intellectual brilliance and wisdom in their ways and words along with their passion, dedication and contributions to liberty, justice and prosperity for all, born out of love.
I am grateful for all of the sacrifices and efforts others have made for us to be here today and hold space in this way with the potential to inspire and support growth toward a greater good.
Justice statement:
Greetings and Good Grace,
My name is Lennell Maurice Martin. This note is an expression of my immense gratitude to Art From the Inside and Attorney General Keith Ellison for the opportunity to include my artwork in a community-wide conversation about Justice in our society. I have been incarcerated for over twenty years, during which time I have become a self-taught artist and a long time volunteer, advocate, and facilitator of Restorative Justice fundraisers, classes and events. It is my hope that the artwork I have submitted connects and provokes thought and curiosity.
Thank you for your time and attention,
Lennell Maurice Martin
In the AFTI Store:
Artist: Lennell Maurice Martin
Size: 11x14
Transformation Statement
Transformation is a spiritual process for humans. I believe that transformation has to take place in the heart and that the heart and mind must be in harmony. The heart has always represented love, one of the most powerful forces in the universe and one of the universal languages. Many cultures believe that the evolution of the human spirit and mind is a process of purification of the heart. The ancient Egyptians had a ceremony called "the weighing of the heart and the "philosophical gold" of the Alchemist which inspired these pieces about transformation which through the purification process the heart becomes golden.