Art is a valuable form of human expression universally. Where words sometimes fail; art gives voice to the voiceless. Like most people when I was imprisoned I didn’t expect to have any opportunity at all to engage in art in any form, as a musician this was a daunting prospect. In a cold and soulless environment like prison the thought of not having the simple beauty of expressing myself through music was horrible and so I still wrote poetry and came up with melodies in my head to at least have some creative expression.
It wasn’t too long before the prison provided me with an acoustic guitar after finding out how important music was to me. This was a lifeline at that point in my life; providing me with a much needed reprieve. Eventually, I was asked if I wanted to come and sing for the band that Impact Arts had put together in the performing arts space and I naturally jumped at the opportunity. With Impact Arts I got to rehearse with the band and even perform a couple of shows, get music tuition and gain a basic understanding of recording and sound production. These all were amazing opportunities for my development as both a musician and a person and I was so grateful to be granted them in that environment as it as something I never considered would be possible and the impact it had on my mental wellbeing and self worth was invaluable.
I also got to join an art class as part of the prison education system. I undertook various projects such as drawing, painting and working with clay. The class was really relaxed and open-ended which I loved as I could dip in and out of various things and truly just have fun with just being expressive.
I started doing theatre with Glass Performance on the back of completing a film-making course I was a part of. At first I was hesitant about taking too much of as role as acting and theatre aren’t really my strong suit but eventually jumped into it as I feel it is good to get out of your comfort zone and try something new. In my time with Glass we done a few different performances. It was great to push myself into new artistic directions and gain confidence and skills at the same time. Also, performing for my family members was so special. To be able to share some of the work I was a part of with them and for them to see me in that environment rather than over a table at a visit was massive for them too.
Art and music has always been a massive part of my life and my escape and expression. Without the opportunities that I was fortunate enough to get within Polmont; I don’t know where I would be now. The healing and rehabilitative affect of expressing oneself through art cannot be understated and the experience I gained will be taken with me going forward.