While incarcerated, Edward picked up a pencil, he said poker wasn’t working for him anymore so he might as well try drawing. As time went on, he picked up that pencil more and more, drawing and working his way through each day. As Edward moves through the justice system, surrounded by his thoughts while the time passes, he draws meticulously with markers, pastels, and pencil whenever he gets the chance, working through a personal reconciliation with himself and his past. For Edward, drawing has become more than just a way to pass the time or escape. Art has turned into a tool for personal growth through contemplation, feeling, and spirituality, and has helped him discover and connect with his culture. Edward’s process brings shape, form, symbolism, and colour to personal memory, stories, and photographs. His commitment to his work and transformation of ideas into drawings, has been inspiring for other inmates and staff; as well as family and friends on the outside.

This is the first pencil sketch that Edward drew while on the blocks after he was incarcerated. He saidthat the bear and hummingbird felt humbling. Another inmate had a picture of the mountains in BC andhe asked if he could borrow it to draw the background. All of the artwork in the exhibition was madeduring Edward’s time in jail. Over the last year Edward, Chris and Tanis Wilkins were able to discuss,learn, share thoughts and knowledge about art, experiences, healing processes and incorporating art into daily life at the Correctional Centre.