San Quentin's Art Program Artist Statements

Current students

Hau Chan

What origami has meant to me while I’ve been incarcerated.

In 1984, 37 years ago, I was given a life sentence and I have been incarcerated since then.

As part of my rehabilitation, I have taken numerous self-help and self-awareness courses/programs and participated in many related groups as well. However, the class that benefited me the most has been the San Quentin Origami Program.

I was very hesitant to try Origami because for many years I viewed Origami as a handcraft for women.

Thanks to the encouragement of my teacher Jun Hamamoto and reassurance from my peers, I finally overcame that bias, gathered and mustered the courage to enroll in the origami class.

I have always been clumsy with my hands and to say I am not very talent or gifted in handicraft would be an understatement. Regardless of how much mistakes I make, I can always fix a crooked part, improve it and call that my master piece. As a matter of fact. I believe everyone can do it! And that is Origami!

For me, Origami is like an effortless meditation where I am not aware of time and yet experience real peace and true joy in turning a tiny piece of paper into an animal, a bird, a flower or a delicate box.

Origami has been my therapy, it helps me not to be impatience or being self-absorbed. I have become more mindful and aware of my surroundings. It really helps me to overcome difficult times especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In the last couple years, I have been making origami to complement greetings cards for family and friends. It also provides me opportunities to make some donations which most them go to charities or non-profit organizations. It makes me feel good to contribute and to know how I am able to achieve something good and noble.

Origami has a lot to do with my healing and made me the person I am today. In fact the Parole Board found me suitable to return and live in the outside society and my tentative release date is coming November 2021.

Regardless of where I am at, I will always find time to do Origami and I hope all of you will try it too.

Thank you for allowing me to share my Origami experience.

Sincerely,
Hau Chan
August 2021

Danny Ho

My name is Danny Ho. I am a member of the origami class at San Quentin taught by Instructor Jun Hamamoto. I have been in the class over five years, and have been given many opportunities to support numerous charitable origami projects. In the five years I have been participating, a good portion of every week has been dedicated to folding origami. It has really relaxed me and helped me alleviate lots of stress. I’ve often founds myself deep in my folding that I even forgot to eat. In short, I love folding origami for it has given me a true joy. Many thanks to Instructor Jun Hamamoto, who has made the classroom a magical place for many of us to learn and grow!

With profound gratitude,
Danny Ho

Bruce Fowler

Art is how I express myself today in a positive way. To build selfesteem. To give back to my community. Threw donations and sharing . With hopes of Touching some ones heart. Awakening a Thought. Or Just bringing a smile.

Origami during my incarceration has been a wonderful way to meditate and center myself. It has been a good stress reliever and brings Joy to everyone I share Them with. I’ve been blessed to have such a wonderful teacher as Jun I Thank everyone a William James For Their Kindness.

Respectfully
Bruce

John Levin

I am a huge fan of Japanese culture. When my family and I traveled to Japan in 2004, I fell in love with the country, the people, the language, and the culture. Having the opportunity to learn how to fold origami in Jun’s class has given me the gift of being able to pursue an aspect of my passion even while incarcerated. Origami has become a wonderful source of relaxation and self-care for me, and I am grateful for Jun and the generosity with which he regularly gives her time and materials for the class.

John Levin

Former students

Chanthon Bun, painting

After the inaction of the CA senate to pass the Vision Act which would stop ICE transfer after someone have served there time and after almost a year of advocating, I was deflated. Once I thought about my community family and friends I knew I need to gather strength in my self. The Bata fish, small but ready to defend, my painting to represent. Even in all darkness and against tremendous odds, I will stand defend our community

Son Nguyen, origami cranes

At a time when life seemed bleak, I unexpectedly found joy and purpose through San Quentin origami class. Led by a patient and amazing instructor the class was fun and brought healing by helping us reconnect us to our communities and we made lasting friendships along the way. Many thanks to Auntie Jun!!

Lam Hong Le, origami cranes

From the community and society I meet a lot of good people. That really impact for myself, for a convict like myself. The incarcerated people thought no one care, nobody wanted us, but origami and Peace Day got me in contact with others and they help us. In this life everyone can make mistakes and transform and change and be better person, look after one another. Feel a lot of love from good people who were our teachers in the Art Program at San Quentin. Heal the community and relationships through Art. We sit down, put our effort to do something good for the people, motivate us to help one another.

Tien Pham, origami cranes

Tien was deported to Vietnam in March 2021 after being incarcerated for 28 years.

I have learned so much from my dear Auntie Jun’s origami class at San Quentin State Prison: from folding origami to being kind to others and discovering the true meaning of life.

Beside creativity, origami has also helped me meditatively and practically with patience, calmness, and building connection with others. Furthermore, origami has given me opportunities to contribute my small part to the community and the messages we have sent are much more meaningful than just a piece of art.

These are what I have learned from origami class: peace, joy, love, connection, and service.