I commenced corresponding with Ray in 2014 after I put out a “Call to Incarcerated Artists” (for an Alcatraz related exhibit) that was aired on “SISTA’S PLACE” – a radio show broadcasted out of Humboldt State University, CA. The radio program was received by numerous inmates at nearby Pelican Bay State Prison in Crescent City, CA. “SISTA’S PLACE” was actually quite entertaining - two hours of wonderful oldies, as well as local news and “shout outs” from family and friends of inmates.
Over time, Ray sent me a plethora of his drawings; mostly copies and a few originals that he had created over time. A highly skillful, prolific and soulful artist, here is what Ray wrote and sent me about his artwork:
“…all my art has some special meaning to me. Yes, some are darker than others, but each one is what I’m feeling at the time, or something I see that I felt the need to draw. I do get some ideas from other places. And, I often imagine my art long before I actually draw them. ‘Yes’…the 14 (fourteen ) years I’ve been held in SHU (Solitary Housing Unit) have had a profound effect on me for better or worse, but it’s all part of the journey. ‘It is, what it is’. I’m never going to let the white dove of my soul die a frozen death at my feet”.
- Raymond Velasquez, from a letter he wrote to me on January 25, 2015
Enjoy! And, please feel free to leave comments.
Blessings,
Leslie Lakes, Director