Unlocking Inmates' Artistic Talents
Newcastle Herald
Friday April 14, 2006
FREE time is something there is a lot of in jail, according to Cessnock Correctional Centre inmate Garry Hunter.
He has used his time to develop an artistic talent that lay dormant until now.Mr Hunter is one of 14 inmates whose works will be the focus of an exhibition Art From The Inside opening at Wollombi Cultural Centre tomorrow."I have been inspired by two artists who use a dramatic source of light in their work as a biblical interpretation connecting light with the Earth," Mr Hunter said."It took a bit of reflection. I found Christianity which was a catalyst for unlocking my art."A desire for peace and quiet drove Mr Hunter into the centre's art class and he said it had unlocked a passion that was dormant. "I'm shy to say I have an artistic talent, but I was very surprised by it and optimistic about my future creative development," Mr Hunter said."Art is the greatest gift you can get."Sixty-five works by 14 inmates will be on show at Wollombi until April 30.Teacher Bev Parnaby said the inmate artists learnt from and inspired each other."I find a lot of them have this wonderful talent under there but just have the time here to find it," she said."They practise a lot in their cells and all stay near each other, I call it the art wing."The artists are completing a TAFE accredited certificate IV in fine arts.
© 2006 Newcastle Herald