When I notice my art improves, it inspires me to keep going because I didn’t have much experience. Now I can look back and see my progress. It’s inspiring to see how much I’ve accomplished.
My art is the way I can express myself and my feelings. When I see that people like my art, their eyes get big; that makes me smile. It makes me feel good, like I’ve accomplished something.
It seems like I’m a tree and the longer I’m in here, the more my roots grow. I’m more grounded, steady, and sturdy, and more connected to other people.
JOHN SCOTT BADGETT

John Scott Badgett has lived on North Carolina’s death row since 2004.