Artist Statement
"I create with my mind and hands because I love to watch a piece emerge from nothing except the confines of my inner thoughts. When I am creating, I lose myself and seem to get taken away for a time. I get taken away from where I am. Currently, I am incarcerated in a Federal Prison for substance abuse. Drawing and other forms of art allow my mind to break free, to escape, so to
speak, even if just for a short while. I plan to continue to pursue and hone my artistic skills upon my release. When I put pencil to paper, I clear my mind then usually start with a simple shape. Once I've started, as the piece is getting laid out, it is constantly in flux, and ever changing. Once complete, I lay ink over my pencil markings. I try to only draw when my emotions are running high and happy. At times that can be tough and a challenge, considering my surroundings. Currently with my creative work, I am really just trying to make something of myself. I have lost years of my life and opportunities found beyond confinement. In part, I am attempting, through my artwork, to regain some of that lost time. I created the black and white line work to ease my own stress and tensions. I wanted to challenge and prove to myself that I was able to create something in hopes that others might, at least for a time, escape through my art and capture their own peace and joy."
Norton was released in the Summer of 2018, and is pursuing a degree in Cyber Security.
speak, even if just for a short while. I plan to continue to pursue and hone my artistic skills upon my release. When I put pencil to paper, I clear my mind then usually start with a simple shape. Once I've started, as the piece is getting laid out, it is constantly in flux, and ever changing. Once complete, I lay ink over my pencil markings. I try to only draw when my emotions are running high and happy. At times that can be tough and a challenge, considering my surroundings. Currently with my creative work, I am really just trying to make something of myself. I have lost years of my life and opportunities found beyond confinement. In part, I am attempting, through my artwork, to regain some of that lost time. I created the black and white line work to ease my own stress and tensions. I wanted to challenge and prove to myself that I was able to create something in hopes that others might, at least for a time, escape through my art and capture their own peace and joy."
Norton was released in the Summer of 2018, and is pursuing a degree in Cyber Security.
Touring Schedule
Bismarck State College Galleries
January 1- February 15, 2019
Taube Museum of Art
February 22 - March 22, 2019
James Memorial Art Center
April 1-30, 2019
Northwest Arts Center
July 1-30, 2019
The Arts Center
November 7 - December 7, 2019
January 1- February 15, 2019
Taube Museum of Art
February 22 - March 22, 2019
James Memorial Art Center
April 1-30, 2019
Northwest Arts Center
July 1-30, 2019
The Arts Center
November 7 - December 7, 2019
