The Story Behind the Portrait
If you’ve ever visited the LCJP’s main street office, you have probably seen the “Vision Portrait” on display. This painting was created in 2017 by a responsible person as a part of their Restorative contract. The responsible person wished for this art to be on display to offer support, empathy and hope for future participants. They also wanted volunteers and supporters of LCJP to sense the impact restorative justice can have on one’s sense of self and belonging. This painting resonates with LCJP staff and volunteers because it illustrates the power each person holds to see and be supported in their full potential. The expansive sky represents our boundless opportunity to see, think, and dream of possibilities beyond our immediate reality. having recently emerged from its start as a grassroots movement, modern day restorative justice would not be possible in the united states without the willingness of individuals and communities to explore options for resolving crime and conflict beyond what has been available in the conventional criminal justice system.
read on to learn how this responsible person experienced restorative justice with LCJP.
Reflection by the Artist:
When I entered the LCJP program, I was too broken of a person to realize how lucky I was. With a sad heart, I was making mistake after mistake before I was caught shoplifting. But because of the the second chance I was given, my downhill spiral of self-despair stopped short in its tracks. The opportunity to reflect on this experience led me to reflect on all aspects of my life. I was able to see the path that led me to where I was and ways of changing my future. This program was everything I didn't know I needed: someone to see the good in me when I couldn't see any in myself. Eventually, I even started seeing good in the world again. For this reason, I've created this painting to reflect the changes I've made in my life. Thank you for helping me turn my life around... because it's true: "The best view comes after the hardest climb."