Capstone project 

In this body of work, I am spreading awareness about what current and previously incarcerated individuals’ lives look like before, after, and during their time served. In a criminological theory class, my professor stated “ignorance is bliss” when referring to individuals who look down on those that have experience with incarceration. By that she means there are people in the world who have no idea what happens to those behind bars and the hardships they face. With this project I am “writing a book” where I have interviewed people who have understanding of the good and bad of life on the inside. Topics ranging meals eaten, activities participated in, recidivism, etc. 

             I intend to use this project to tell a misunderstood group of people’s stories, while also documenting their experiences. I bring to life the stories I have been told, to invoke an emotional reaction from the viewer.  The prison system has also made an impact on me as I am a daughter to a man who has spent a majority of both of our lives incarcerated. I have a perspective that fuels me to continue expanding my knowledge and understanding that this group of people faces.

            In the end, this book is a way to address the stigma that our society has put on this topic. Provoking an uncomfortable conversation and gaining a better understanding of an “exiled” population.