A new letter from Cliff has arrived.  In it, he gives some history as to how he ended up an artist.  A fellow inmate, which he admired, let him in on a secret -- he enjoyed making pottery.  This only increased Cliff's admiration for him, and he shadowed him in his artistic hobby.

Over the years, Cliff entered art programs offered by the correctional facilities, if they were available.  A couple of times, he was suspended from the art programs from taking the clay of other students and creating more and more art.  Cliff felt like there was no harm because the other students weren't using it, and he also felt like the clay was calling to him to create something.

I have setup and Etsy Shop where people can browse Cliff's work and purchase it if they like it.
For future reference, you may get to it by clicking on Shop near the top of this page.

With his latest letter, Cliff also included several polaroids of carvings from several years ago.  These can be viewed near the bottom of the Art Gallery page, under Statues.

Enjoy!

Good News!  One of Cliff's pieces, which I took the liberty of naming, "The Chief" was selected for the Tulsa Artists' Coalition show entitled, "Tulsa Taboo."  If you're in the area, check it out!

In November 2010, I attended a fundraiser dinner for On The Rock Ministries (OTRM) in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.  Near the end of the event, the Director, Ken, handed out sculptures to people whom he wanted to recognize and thank.

                 These sculptures were impressive.

I wanted to know more.  Ken went on to explain that while he had been visiting a man in prison, a different prisoner asked him to pray with him.  He did, and they formed a relationship which they still maintain through the occasional phone call and letter.  This man, Cliff Towers, formed these elaborate, detailed works of art out of soap and gave them to OTRM as a way to say thanks for befriending him and supporting him while he is in prison. 

Why soap?  Because he is in prison.  They don't exactly give you knives and wood to carve.

                                                              ...  Very unique.  I wanted one.

With the permission of OTRM, I contacted Cliff through letter with a proposal.  I figured that if I wanted one of these works of art, other people might as well.  I would help him sell his art on the "outside" if he agreed to let me donate 50% of the profits to OTRM. 

Benefits:

1. OTRM gets funding, of which they are in need.
2. Cliff gets something worthwhile to focus on while finishing his sentence.
3. Cliff will know that he is using his talent to give back to the community.
   
4. Cliff can earn money so that when he is released, he will have funds to restart his life in a positive way -- rent an apartment, buy work clothes, etc.
5. Cliff may get a jump on having a real career as an artist by the time he is released.

He is trying to turn his life around.  He has this amazing talent, but if someone can't recognize it then he may just end up back in prison. 

Read the About  page for more info about his situation.

I am a Computer Programmer, not an Art Dealer.  Cliff and I are going to need your help to make this work.

         --   Please spread the word...

Tweet this, post it on Facebook, Tumblr, Digg, Reddit, or whatever else you may use.  If you know anyone that knows anything about Art, please just send them a link to this site.  It may lead to something...

Eric