I believe in art.

I believe in the vast unexplored tracks of our creative potential; with a fistful of keys, unlocking those tracks one painting, one poem at a time. Sometimes I wonder how much my time in prison influenced my life as an artiste Did prison make me who I am? I know for sure art has challenged me to tap into ny higher existence. To do what I thought was impossible. To find a way to express a feeling or thought that words would only do a disservice.

Some of my happiest days are the ones where i have charcoal smudges on my face, acrylic crusted underneath my finger nails and color stained blotches spreading abstractly across my ruined state issue clothing e Those days, my eyes are unfocused and blurry from long bursts of manic energy quaintly referred to as the zone. The best part is when I find myself inwardly smiling as I reflect upon a newly acquired masterpiece that leans against my back bedroom wall.

Art has been a trial of fire as well. Full of the pain of past mistakes, the loss of close friends, and the isolation from my family and loved ones. However, I choose to not let those things break me Instead, I use them as the muse to my creative motivation in defiance to the fire that consumes my memories. While I know that fire wag meant to destroy things, being an artist, I have challenged myself to be a fire eater.

The pain and the loss and the isolation become merely color tones on my palette as I design my divine breath in a plume of orange and yellow flame. Because when you consume fire, you learn how to shine in even Che darkest of places.

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Paul Thorsteinson #807019

SCCC H6A-03

191 Constantine Way

Aberdeen, WA 98520

July 2019 - Contest entries

https://www.designedconviction.com/vip/artwork/painting-of-my-bedroom-by-paul-thorsteinson

https://www.designedconviction.com/vip/writings/wasted-sunsets-by-paul-thorsteinson