View Full Version : Open letter to ED MEAD from Richard


BSS
12-27-2002, 12:47 AM
Ed,
It’s been brought to my attention that you have some pretty negative things to say about the art and artists who contribute art to the web site. Those same people freely contribute art to the PTO web site and are happy to do so.

Normally I wouldn’t consider responding to our critics because our art is not for everyone. However your’ not really criticizing the quality of our art. What you’re doing is character assassination ad you don’t even know us.

You claim to be an x con so you should know how hard it is for us to overcome stereotypes; we’re trying very hard to do something positive with our lives. The contributors at are all serving very lengthy sentences and are permanently housed in isolation cells at the Pelican Bay SHU unit so it’s really difficult for us to stay positive and be productive. Then here you come – x con – and you’re putting us down. You’re calling us sexist, racist, wild men with too much testosterone in our art.

I’ll address each of those slanderous allegations in turn. First the sexist issue. Without exception every drawing depicting a woman on our site was created for a woman, a wife, girlfriend m. mother or daughter. All of the women depicted by us are clothed, we never depict women in submissive posed. It is true that many of our women are scantly clad. Hello welcome to the world of art. We like all the thousands of artists who came before and the millions to follow happen to find the curves of a woman’s body interesting, beautiful and attractive. Most of the women in our art are portraits we just spice up the setting. Here’s a couple examples – of course you’ll have to actually checkout our web site to make sense of it- # 4 is a portrait of my friend, his daughter and her new husband, the artist just changed their clothing and setting. I find it much more interesting than a simple portrait. #12 is a portrait of another friend and his wife, his wife specifically asked for this pose. She wanted to show off her body and make a statement, “She’s beautiful Proud and she’s standing by her man even though he’s in a cage”. The drawing came out so good that I asked her if I could put some lettering on it and use it as the logo she said heck yeah! She is very happy with the piece. It hangs proudly on her wall, it’s the first thin she sees when she wakes up. #9 is not a portrait but it was a gift to a friend’s girlfriend, she’s really into the whole Amazon warrior thing. She asked for a piece to pay tribute to Queen Boudicca. She’s a British Celtic queen who died in an unsuccessful revolt against the Romans. In fact she lead the charge with her war dogs. I think the artist did a great job of conveying the story and the recipient went crazy with joy over it! #18 is also not a portrait but it was a gift to a friends wife, she is always joking about keeping him in line and out of trouble by “cracking her whip’. Needless to say she loves the piece and it hangs proudly in her front room. One last thing, the woman on the book cover, the one you referred to as a “bimbo with big tits and is disgusting”. She to is a friends wife she’s not a bimbo and in fact has been a loyal loving wife for 20 years, 14 years of that he’s been in prison because a smart mouth creep disrespected his loving wife. I guess the guy couldn’t take a punch. Anyhow she took that picture as women sometimes do to send to her husband. Personally I don’t think that makes her a bimbo and I would never put someone down due to his or her body type. When a well-published author asked Dale to create a book cover for a book about a mafia spy girl he said sure, then he asked if anyone had any pictures of women he might use. Jim said maybe but he’d have to ask his wife first, well she liked the idea of being on the cover of a book as most people would and the rest is history.

Now about you calling us racists since you didn’t have the guts to come right out and say it I’m not positive that’s what you meant. There is two ways to take what you said, either you’re calling is racists or you are so full of racial hatred that you are angered by the mere site of white people depicted in art. What you said is “our art is too Nordic and that you don’t approve”. The word Nordic really means Scandinavian and since we only have two pieces that can even be considered Scandinavian/ Viking you must not have actually meant Nordic. What I believe you were doing was using the word Nordic as a code word meaning white I’m guessing you chose that particular word because it’s often-wrongly-associated with the Nazis. Anyone who bothers to checkout our site will see that we don’t have any Nazi or racist art at all. It is true that we haven’t reached the diversity of artists that we some-day hope to reach but that’s probably due to the ignorant comments of pot stirring haters like you. We at would never accuse a black artist art of being too African just because his art usually depicts other black people. That’s outrageous and offensive to all the people of the world. I would also like to point out that all the art at is donated for free, how we get this art is when an artist finishes a piece they send it to they scan it and have cards made then forward it to the artists family. We can’t pay the artists because so far we are still in the red. All we can give the artists is a handful of cards and that comes out of my pocket.

About our art having too much testosterone OH please, we’re male prisoners so that’s pretty much a prerequisite. But the bottom line is we do what people ask us to. If you’d like me to do you a drawing of kittens and bunnies I’d be happy to it’ll cost you $50. If you’d like a big complicated portrait you’ll have to send us good clear photos and describe the setting you desire. The price for our # 4 was $125.00 simple portraits are less. I think you should lighten up we’re trying to do something positive for prison artists worldwide. It’s not like we don’t have any diversity. Here’s just a partial list, a beautiful Low Rider car, portrait scene, Indian pony, Spanish vaquero, light house, frog, snake, wolves, fishing scene, several rodeo and western scenes. All kinds of dog portraits and fantasy pieces.

Cameo
12-27-2002, 01:04 AM
Wow...I've looked at all the artwork in the gallery and I'm always amazed by the detail these men are able to bring to life on paper!

Richard, Dale, James...and all the other men who provide artwork to display here at PTO...Your drawings are so appreciated and admired! I'm not sure why anyone would have anything negative to say and I'm sorry to hear of it!

I wish there was something we could do at PTO to get your artwork even more exposed, perhaps with a personal story behind the work. Do they do that in California?

Maybe we just have to get out 'thinking caps' on here and see what we can come up with!

Keep up the great work guys! Don't let any negativity sway you from staying positive and productive. We love your work and will never get tired of looking at it!:)

Pamela

Lucrisid
12-27-2002, 01:30 AM
I guess there will always be people who have to find something negative even in the most positive things...
The only reason why I would criticize (;)) the 'curvy' women is my own jealousy- I simply don't have the body... GREAT DRAWINGS and beautyful women!

Tanya

deb
12-27-2002, 01:54 AM
There's many kinds of art out there and each appeals to different people. I say hurrah to folks who can draw this well and I sure wish that I could.

Deb

danielle
12-27-2002, 02:11 AM
First of all, I would like to say I have viewed and enjoyed Richard's art, as well as the other's from the PTO gallery.

I have corresponded with Richard and he was kind enough to send me a card to forward to my husband. That is truly a kind man - to give me a gift to give to someone else. If you think the art is beautiful here - to actually hold it in your hand is amazing.

My husband, who draws as well, was touched by his kindness and by the beauty of the drawing. Richard literally reached out from his prison cell to another prison cell to another inmate hundreds of miles away. These two men are literally strangers, but are bonded in a way I do not understand. To me that speaks volumes about his character.

I would love to see these men prosper from their talents. I wish them nothing but the best and Pamela - I've got my thinking cap on as well.

Barbara please tell Richard "thanks" for the beautiful artwork. You know I've been a devoted fan since day one and nothing will shake my views of him! :)

Jinjer
12-27-2002, 02:28 AM
I am new to the site. I hve seen the aart and it is amazing. I only have one question. The picture of the dogs are labeled bane, isnt that the dog that killed that lady in san francisco? I read that the people who owned that dog in prison were white supremist. I am not makin accusations cause I really dont know. I am askin why anyone would deplict a dog that killed a lady so brutally?

Fed-X
12-27-2002, 03:21 AM
Jinjer,
I could be wrong but I don't believe there is any corralation between the two.
David

Jinjer
12-27-2002, 03:25 AM
ohmylord, I just did an internet search and one of the artists is the owner of those dogs that killed that poor lady! I shoulda keept my mouth shut. No offense ment to nobody. I mind my own business from now on.

BSS
12-27-2002, 10:19 AM
Yes you are right Jinjer about the dog. The dog was drawn before the attact of the lady. No they are not WS that case was never brought forth. You will always here thing that are not all in truth. Love Barbara

Kathy
12-27-2002, 09:09 PM
Dear Barbara and Richard,

I find it interesting that an EX-CON who has time to make such Negative comments about a fellow inmate must live an insignificant life as a FREE MAN!

I find the Art Work Beautiful. And more meaningful after Richard's response to Ed Mead.

For someone to have the GUTS to make such comments about those who are being productive, positive and behind bars, must be ignorant! (Considering he states he is an EX-CON!)

It is only obvious that MR. ED MEAD did not learn a damn thing about being incarcerated, accept to continue his Angry and Hatred as a Free Man.

Life is so short that comments like his are not worthy of a comment, but, since he is attacking a Beautiful Person like you, Barbara and your son Richard, then I must say to MR. ED MEAD that with an Attitude like his, it is only a matter of time that he will find himself right back behind BARS. And that is when I would like to see MR. ED MEAD have the BALLS to open his Big Mouth!

Love Ya Guys!
Kathy

toe
12-27-2002, 09:31 PM
Isn't "Art" subjective by nature?
I don't know...pieces the art world raves about sometimes just make me dizzy. I think that's the beauty of art--be it books/paintings/movies...whatever-- there's something for everyone. I can think of worse things to look at than 'bimbo's with big tits'. For instance, Bimbo's with little tits.:D I found the explanation above about what some of the art was about interesting, makes you go back and look at it again once you know the 'story' behind it. Know what I mean? Probably not...but it's art, one shoe doesn't fit all.

BSS
12-28-2002, 12:51 AM
Well folks I have had all day to ponder what has been said here abut the artists and their politics. I have searched my mind and heart for the best and most simple statement I could make. The one statement that keeps coming back to me is a question. HAS the media or the system always treated your loved ones fairly my answer is NO if your answer is Yes I think you are among the very FEW & the most lucky.

I hope that you will take these things into consideration before you judge my son and the other artists to be something you have read in a newspaper. I believe these men to be caring people, trying to better themselves and shed a different light on what inmates can be all about. I can only hope that my family here at PTO will afford them the same love and respect that they bestow on others. I am going to forward these postings to Richard so he can answer any questions you might have. Please be patient for his replies because the mail to him is very slow. I know this because as of my last letter 12-19-02 from him he had not yet received any of his Christmas cards. I remember when you all sent him birthday cards they held them up for over a month. Love Barbara

Cameo
12-28-2002, 01:46 AM
Barbara I hope this has not troubled you in any way! The artists behind the artwork that you share with us at PTO, I feel, are member's of this community. They share their poems, thoughts, feelings and drawings with us! What we share back with them is a non-judgemental support in any way a member chooses.

I know I have had the opportunity to correspond with Richard on a few occassions. He has added insight to the project I am doing for the DOC regarding the anger management programs. His perspectives really made me think and had an effect in my recommendations.

I would hope there will never be an judgement directed towards these men. One thing I can bet, that is if people wanted to ask questions, they would be more than willing to answer.

Barbara, I'm sure there will be several members to post in this thread that will add their support to the continued participation of these men's artwork and in any other manner they may wish to participate...

(Hugs to You, My Friend!)

Pammie:)

LucidDream
12-28-2002, 02:59 AM
Barbara,
I'm glad that the link to your sons artwork was provided again. I did go again to look at it and was still amazed. All of the men listed are very talented individuals.
I did send your son a letter stating this.. it will probably come across more as babbling than words LOL
Hugs to you!
Cindy

Enjay
12-29-2002, 10:33 PM
Barbara,
You PM'd me once about Richard's artwork. Because of the Holidays I have had very little chance to pursue what I mentioned. I have not forgotten! I sent a card to all the artists on the Prisonink web site and let them know how much I appreciate their artwork. Art is subjective! No two people see it the same! I know this, I'm an artist and I also work at an art museum! Some things that I truly love , others abhore! So, I hope Richard and his partners take people like this with a grain of salt! I know what it's like to have people judge your work, it's very personal! The artwork is a pert of the artist! But sometimes we have to seperate ourselves from it a little bit! I'm hoping to hear back from Richard and his friends. Maybe I'll just write them again, before I get an answer, to tell them I'm behind them!

Ed_Mead
12-31-2002, 12:03 PM
Ed Mead Replies
I have been out-of-state visiting my family for the past week. Imagine my surprise when I returned to see all of this controversy over a personal policy on my website. I sell prisoner-created artwork online, but there are some things I won’t sell. The policy as listed on my site is:

“Who Cannot Sell Here: The exceptions to the above policy are:

1. That no item of art or craft will be considered for sale if we find its contents to be racist, sexist, or homophobic.
2. What is called "murder memorabilia" or artwork by, or items from, famous (or infamous) prisoners.”

I won’t sell art that I feel is racist or sexist. That is my choice. The dog in the picture named Banes may or may not have been the same one trained for fighting by the racist Arian Brotherhood and which killed Diane Whipple in San Francisco, as one poster claims. I had not made that connection at the time so it was not the issue.

The issue is that the artwork, while well done in terms of form, has content that I (rightly or wrongly) believe is sexist and perpetuates what I feel is an unhealthy view of women, and that the persistent dominant male theme is the same thing many wives and mothers cringe in the face of – and in some part landed many prisoner in the slammer. I don’t want to perpetuate that male myth. Richard has the entire web on which to sell his artwork, why would he object to my refusal to do so?

Barbara, California Prison Focus, the group that recently demonstrated in front of Corcoran in support of prisoners (I was one of the demonstrators), and who for 12 years has been doing ongoing work to shut down the SHUs and to end the debriefing fiasco, rejected your approach to them on this same issue. Cynthia, the webmaster of the CPF site told you the artwork was racist and sexist and that she did not want anything to do with it. I am told you abused her in a e-mail after she wrote those words to you. In any event, I thought I sent you a private e-mail, and not a public post. Why is this whole thing being aired here? What business is it of PTO what I choose to have on my site?

To Richard I say, my issue is not to whether these “scantly clad” women are wives or close friends of prisoners, as I am sure they are. I am merely saying that to portray these women as sex objects is, in my opinion, wrong. To me the portrayal of a woman with her ass and her breasts as her defining features is sexist. If I had been directed to examples of your work that depicted “drawings of kittens and bunnies” I would probably have them on my site. I just yesterday sold an item of art from a prisoner in the SHU at Pelican Bay, a pencil drawing called Indian Maiden. It is of a native woman sitting in a field, with a deer at the edge of the woods.

Richard, how this choice of mine not to sell your artwork spilled over into PTO is a mystery to me. Let me emphasize that I was not standing on a rooftop calling you or your associates names. Rather, in a private e-mail I told Barbara why I would not sell your art on my website. That decision (right or wrong) was not a public communication. Now you and Barbara have dragged it out into this forum to say I have made “slanderous allegations” against you and your friends. As you correctly point out, I don’t even know you or your friends. I just don’t want to sell your art.

Lastly, for what it is worth, while my site says some prisoners have to pay a 10 percent fee, I have never charged a prisoner for selling his or her artwork.

Some of my personal history:

In the mid-‘70s prisoners in the hole at the Washington State Penitentiary were being brutalized because they lead a battle to implement a small measure of democracy on the inside. In the process they seized sections of the prison and took guards hostage. Wrong? Yes. But handcuffing prisoners to the bars of their cells and beating them with lead lined gloves and clubs, including shoving a riot baton up the rectum of Carl Harp, ripping open his butt to the point of requiring hospitalization. The prisoners asked for help from the outside. I tried to organize a demonstration in their support, but nobody was interested. A few of my friends and I created a group called the George Jackson Brigade and our first act was to bust into the headquarters of the Department of Corrections and to plant a large pipe bomb under the Director’s desk. It went off in the middle of the night harming nobody, but doing $120,000.00 in damage to the building. We issued a communiqué demanding that the abused prisoners be treated in accordance with the law. What we did may have been wrong, but if so we erred on the side of justice and what is right.

The Brigade went on to do about 20 other actions in support of various struggles. I was eventually busted and ended up serving 18 years, starting out at Walla Walla. While there I organized Men Against Sexism, a militant group of gay and anti-sexist men who set out to stop the buying and selling of weaker prisoners by the predators. We stopped the rapes, ended the slavery, and did general things like escorting elderly prisoners to and from the commissary shack so they would not be robbed. Because of my organizing activities I was subjected to numerous involuntary out-of-state transfers. In a period of four years I was in eight prisons in five states. Everywhere I organized; always I published too.

In the Arizona State Prison in Florence Arizona, for example, I worked at strengthening the relationships between lovers and family members, through conjugal visits. If ever there were an issue to unite prisoners and their loved ones on the outside, it is conjugal visits. We all believe our loved ones will be treated fairly and given adequate medical treatment when needed, and to recognize when his or her rehabilitation has taken place and the prisoner released.

In Arizona, between 1980 and 1982, I helped to organize a prisoner group called the Committee to Safeguard Prisoners' Rights, or CSPR. One of our firsts acts was to file a civil rights law in federal court over the prison administration warehousing mentally ill prisoners in the dark basement of a cellblock, and keeping them quiet there with massive does of psychotropic drugs while vegitating there. The psychiatric prisoners signed release forms sent into them by the prisoners who deliver their meals, and with these forms CSPR filed suit on behalf of the prisoners. This suit generated publicity, a commodity the department of corrections abhors, and along with that conflict CSPR generated outside liaison chapters in every major city in the state.

We next published a monthly newsletter, called the ChillFactor, in which we pointed out the need for conjugal visits, and for more rights for workers in the prison's massive industrial complex. Our first action secured retroactive paid vacations for all industrial workers. We next started after conjugal visits and a 100 percent wage increase for industrial workers. While both inside and outside folks were unified, we ultimately lacked the depth to sustain decapitation (out-of-state transfer) of our leadership.

Let’s see, I also co-founded Prison Legal News, organized the Mark Cook Freedom Committee, the Seattle Committee to Defend Mumia Abu-Jamal, and was formally the Vice President of the Seattle Chapter of the National Layers Guild. My friends and I stopped the digital rectal probes in the Intensive Management Units in Washington State. As a prisoner I fought and succeeded in getting computers into prisoner cells in a Washington prison, and on which computers I taught myself a trade I am supporting myself with now (as are many other former prisoners who had computers in their cells).

Freya
07-24-2003, 01:13 AM
Mr. Mead,

Thank you for sharing your personal policy and link to your website.

I applaud your dedication and tireless efforts as an advocate on behalf of prisoners . It appears you have certainly made a difference in the lives of others.