Before meeting his artistic mentor, Memo, in a Virginia federal prison cell, Rafael Rodriguez was “acting like a wild horse, roaming the countryside with no respect for life.” But gradually, as Memo taught him how to paint vivid portraits, he learned that art was a much better choice than violence.
This essay, animated by Lily Padula and K Downs and voiced by Rodriguez, is part of “Inside Story,” The Marshall Project’s groundbreaking video series distributed online and in correctional facilities across the U.S.
Watch the latest season, with new episodes landing every Thursday at 11 a.m. ET on The Marshall Project’s website and YouTube channel. Episodes also air on the Scripps News network on Fridays at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.
