Because I Am Different by John Zenc
Medium: Pen and marker on paper
Size: 9 in x 12 in
Artist bio: I myself love to create art. I wanted to continue to create art in prison to show people I did not waste my time in here doing nothing or being up to no good – but rather I created odd and fun art to show that my time in here was not wasted. I create art to show society how important art is; how it is so vital to be able to express one’s self. Without art, the world would be a dull and boring place. In prison, art has even more meaning to prison artists – it is an escape into a world of wonder, a world of hope and love, a world of unknowns. Art lets me tell the world that I am sorry for my selfish actions 44 years ago. Art lets people know, we, I, am more than just a prison number, but a human being with human emotions, a person that should not be ignored and locked away forever. Art shows people who I am. Art shows how I forgive myself for what I did 44 years ago. You all may hate me for who I was, but please don’t hate me for who I have become. As John Lennon sang – “Give Peace a Chance.” Stop all the hate. Life’s too short. Show love and compassion to all – no matter who they are. Love can change the world.
Image Description: 3 colorful faces made from intricate dots and broad strokes of vibrant pink, blue, yellow, and green. Brown and yellow dots make up the hair of the most prominent figure in the foreground. All three figures have bright lips and eyes that stare intently at the viewer.
Back of the artwork:
