I have been incarcerated now for 15 years and this is about all the things I learned in prison.
In the year 2008, I was 29 years old. I worked in Elkart, Indiana, but lived in Granger, Indiana. This entire area was under a dark cloud: The Great Recession. There were few jobs available. I lived with a girlfriend and her two boys. We were in love. During that time, it was tough to find a job. I worked third shift and wanted to live a normal life, be with her and the kids. So I obtained a position as a tool and die maker. Having a new job, I had to prove my worth. I had money issues due to low wages because of the economy. It was stressful.
On September 28, 2008, I was laid off work. Depressed and knowing my girlfriend would lose her temper, as she had done before, I anticipated the impending fight. I left work, drank alcohol, and played with her son prior to him leaving to his father’s house. She arrived home angry. I was emotionally broken already, grabbed her guns, and threatened suicide. In the end, I shot at a wall, and no one was hurt. The police shot tear gas in the home at the same time.
The prosecutor said I attempted to murder the police. I did not intend to hurt anyone, and thankfully no one was. The prosecutor attempted to charge me with 10 attempted murders, reckless endangerment, and pointing a firearm. I was scared into a plea bargain and received a sentence of 40 years, execute 20 years.
I have served 15 years of this sentence. I decided long ago that I would make the best of my situation. While incarcerated, I became a visual artist. I’ve worked tirelessly for 15 years to perfect my craft. I’ve learned something about myself through art. I can use it to express myself and work through my emotions, horrible environment, and the oppressive people around me.
I developed a skill I did not have prior to incarceration. A passion, something I love to do. I discovered what I was meant to be. Prior to my discovery of art, I was lost and a depressed soul, angry at the world. I discovered my passion for art when I observed a few talented artists. This drew me in, and I started down my own path. I was not very good, but I had time to develop my skill. I learned about art supplies that I could purchase and their function. I read how-to art books, but they did not help much.
Through effort, trial, and error, I grew as an artist and a man. I felt ready to move on, or I exhausted the subject. Using various mediums and techniques, I created different effects.
Malcolm Gladwell defines mastery as the number 10,000 hours. I have spent 10 times that amount creating art that I love. Men who are wiser than me say, do something you love for a living and you will not work a day in your life. Art, for me, is a passion and outlet I did not possess prior to prison. I will pursue a dream of doing some form of art for a living one day. Through prison and art, I have found my purpose and path. Art is more than a hobby for me. It is a way of life. Not only am I passionate about art, it has helped develop my confidence in everyday life. Art has also opened my heart to be compassionate towards other people’s feelings and their passions. I’ve become less self-centered.
Through the small opportunities in prison, I have accomplished a lot in the last four years. I became employed in a truss shop. I learned how to build prefabricated homes and gained experience. I built interior and exterior walls, and truss from blueprints. I ran machinery and operated various tools. I became a skilled craftsman over the course of two years.
I was even transferred to another facility to start a new production factory from its beginning. I became an asset to the company. I shook hands with the owner, president, and the Commissioner of Indiana’s D.O.C. I worked everyday with the president of the company. (I will have the opportunity upon my release to work for him, and possibly run my own plant.)
I left this job for only one reason. I wanted an education. I tried for two years to get into Holy Cross College at Notre Dame, a program located at Westville Correctional Complex in Indiana. Finally, I got in based on an essay I wrote. I have completed my first semester and obtained A’s in all my classes. I am enjoying school. It turns out I am much more intelligent than I gave myself credit for. I have been asked to become a Writing Center tutor, even take classes to learn how to write more effectively and help others. I am seeking an associates in liberal arts. My dream is to take this college opportunity as far as I can. I will seek a bachelor’s degree as long as I am in here. When I’m released, I’ll pursue a bachelor’s in fine art.
I’ve accomplished more than I thought possible, especially in prison! I can only imagine the good fruit I will produce one day when I am set free. I contemplate and dream of the day I can show my artistic talent to the world. At the same time, I am realistic and will have an education and job skills to fall back on if I am not successful as an artist.
One day I will be set free to try to make the world a better place. I’ve lived with some of the worst human beings on earth, and decided long ago to be the exact opposite of what they are. I am a prime example of what someone can do with consistent effort and setting goals. The final piece is at hand.
I pray for release so I can work just as tirelessly out there as I have been for 15 years in here. I seek real opportunity that is unrestricted. I have the discipline and integrity needed to ensure I do not return. I believe through much effort I have shown I have earned a place among the free. I shall continue to work, move forward, and gain more understanding. I hope one day I can share my lifelong commitment and help shape the world.
Ryan Lewis Campbell #194764
Westville Correctional Complex
5501 S 1100 W
Westville, IN 46391
