Justin Abel Art

After a life-changing experience behind bars, I have reconstructed my priorities and refocused my attention on the things that matter in life. On December 30, 2014, after serving an 11-year sentence in the Department of Corrections, I began to reconcile my past and honor the good. “How exactly though?” is the question. I have an overwhelming desire to help people in need-no matter the cost. The sacrifice required to become selfless is expensive and, at times, seemingly impossible; however, I always find a way through art. I offer a program to cover up or remove gang-related , vulgar, profane, hands, face, or satanic art for free. I have offered my services directly to the Department of Probation & Parole in Mountain Home, ID. I also have an easy application process through my website. Not only do I offer these free services, but I also have the Free Tattoo Frenzy campaign, whereby I select one person per month as a commendation for excellence: whether it be for losing weight, smoking cessation, altruism, or any other detail deserving praise. The Free Tattoo Frenzy is for me as much as it is for them. I began my career as a realistic portrait artist. I used mixed media and obsession to create my 2014 Series. I plan on using the celebrity portraits as auction items for a charity next year. Hopefully, their exposure will gather enough interest to garner a decent turnout at Frank Church School in Boise (where the event will. E held.) I am stubborn, obsessive, neurotic, and tired all the time-plagued by PTSD, anxiety, and depression, but I am humble, calculating, ambitious, and generous. To me, these emotional weaknesses aren’t bad at all. They are simply ingredients to my recipe for my personal success; however, it took years behind bars before I understood its usefulness. I regret making incarcerating decisions when I was a child, but I don’t see a loss in the 11-year hiatus that changed my life forever. I emerged with what it takes to push beyond what must people accept as a finished product. I push until I can no longer, and I will always see imperfections no matter the result—even if I have to manically work 41 hours straight. Does this mean I am crazy? Probably…but I accept who I am today; I take responsibility for my debts; and, most importantly, I will never cease this search for absolution. I can’t see myself ever satisfied with what I’ve learned so-far and envision an insatiable hunger for knowledge. I will never stop trying, and I will always regret losing myself as a young man, but I will never forget nor rue the cultivation, maturity, and immense growth that occurred behind those walls and inside mine. By, Justin Abel DBA: Justin Abel Art