COALINGA, CA
Prison may be the best thing to ever happen to Daniel Greenford’s career.
“I don’t know what kind of lesson the government was trying to teach me by locking me up, because my only takeaway is ‘crime pays,’” laughed Greenford as he whistled down the hall toward the men’s bathroom, mop in hand.
Prior to incarceration, the art school graduate was making less than $10/day despite residencies with two local art galleries.
Now, as a custodian aide at Pleasant Valley State Prison, Greenford is raking in $3.90/hour.
“It feels like I hit the jackpot. I’ve been calling all my art friends and none of them can believe how much I’m making.”
Due to overcrowding across the California State Prison System, some inmates are being released early. Greenford is doing everything he can to stay locked up. “I hate violence, so I get creative with my infractions. Lots of screaming, brooding, yelling, etcetera. Stuff I learned in art school.”
Upon arrival to Pleasant Valley State Prison, Greenford joined UATSB, the United Artists and Theater Stagehands Brotherhood, the prison’s “artsy gang.” The newly established gang seems to be a direct result of a rising trend in artist-related crime, something local officials are still trying to figure out.
As to what Daniel plans to do upon his release in six months, the reinvented artist is keeping his options open. “Next year prison minimum wage goes up to $4.15/hour. So I have a few ideas.”