Name: Maryanne Chisholm

Title: MCArtist

Organisation: Lighthouse Crypto Recovery

Maryanne Chisholm: From Incarceration to Inspiration Maryanne Chisholm's story is one of resilience, transformation, and the redemptive power of art. Her journey is paved with hardship and triumph, intertwining themes of justice, creativity, and community building. To do her full biography justice, we must delve into both the shadows and the light, exploring the woman behind the art.

Early Life and Unexpected Turmoil: Details about Maryanne's early life remain largely private. However, in 2005, her path took a dramatic turn when she was wrongly convicted of white-collar crimes and sentenced to 31 years in prison. What followed was a grueling 14 years within the walls of Perryville Women's Prison in Arizona.

Discovering Art in the Depths: It was within the confines of imprisonment that Maryanne discovered her artistic fire. Driven by a need for expression and solace, she picked up a paintbrush and began pouring her heart onto canvas. What started as a coping mechanism blossomed into a vibrant passion, and soon, Maryanne became a prolific painter, creating over 5,000 pieces during her incarceration.

Fighting for Freedom and Finding Her Voice: While art became her sanctuary, Maryanne never gave up hope for justice. She tirelessly pursued her case, eventually winning an appeal and in 2018 and securing her release after 14 years of wrongful imprisonment. Stepping back into the world, Maryanne was faced with not only rebuilding her life but also sharing her story.

Art as a Catalyst for Healing and Advocacy: Freed but forever marked by her experience, Maryanne embraced art as her instrument for both personal healing and advocacy. Her surreal and often haunting paintings became windows into the prison system, showcasing the human cost of wrongful convictions and the transformative power of artistic expression. Her work resonated with audiences, sparking conversations about justice, rehabilitation, and the inherent worth of every individual.

Embracing Innovation and Building Community: With the rise of NFTs, Maryanne saw a new opportunity to share her art and build a supportive community. She ventured into the digital realm, becoming a prominent figure in the NFT art scene. Through online platforms and her popular "Cafe Muse" Twitter Spaces, Maryanne created a space for artists, collectors, and supporters to connect, share experiences, and uplift each other.

Legacy Beyond the Brushstrokes: Today, Maryanne Chisholm stands as a multifaceted artist, activist, and entrepreneur. Her work transcends canvases and tweets, embodying a message of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit. She is a testament to the transformative potential of art, using her platform to advocate for justice, empower fellow artists, and inspire others to face their own challenges with unwavering courage.

Beyond this biographical sketch, Maryanne's story continues to unfold. Here are some additional facets to consider: Impact on the Prison Arts Program: Maryanne's experience highlights the importance of arts programs in correctional facilities, showcasing their role in rehabilitation and emotional well-being.

Challenges and Opportunities of Being a Wrongfully Convicted Artist: Explore the unique perspective and creative impetus that comes from experiencing wrongful incarceration. NFTs and the Democratization of Art: Discuss how Maryanne's embrace of NFTs opened up new avenues for artistic expression and community building. Maryanne Chisholm is not just an artist, but a complex human being whose journey continues to inspire and challenge us to imagine a world filled with greater empathy, understanding, and creative freedom.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Maryanne's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

Overcoming self doubt has been the greatest obstacle for me personally. I encountered a great deal of negativity for over 20 years, and found myself thinking "You can't do this" "You don't deserve success". It was something I was unconsciously programming in through doubts and my own self perception. I reached a point where I needed to listen to affirmations to replace the intrusive thoughts, and then everything began to change.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I overcame a life altering obstacle, wrongful incarceration for 14 years. While I was in custody, I joined up with the ACLU to fight for human rights violations in the Arizona Department of Incarceration. I realized that might have been the reason I was there, to show that even when we are at rock bottom we can still do good in the world. When I left prison, after my appeal win, I lobbied for mental health reform and shared my story to help inspire other people who have felt there is no hope.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I set goals, and work through them one at a time. I focus on the most vital at the start of each day when I have the increased energy and focus. Investigations take at least four hours a day, community building takes roughly 2 hours. Everyday, I mark each task off, and then make a point of spending time with my husband at the end of every work day. Our children are grown, but we still focus on quality time together. It's a critical part of each day. I try to spend at least 1 hour of just - spiritual time. I create art to meditate and it keeps me centered.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

It's easy to express gratitude when things are going well, but true leadership shines through when you can express gratitude even during difficult periods. Acknowledge the challenges, but also highlight the resilience, resourcefulness, and strength of your team.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

As a leader in the art community, "Autobiography of a Yogi" profoundly impacted me on my quest for inspiration. Yogananda's unflinching dedication to his artistic expression, evident in his lifelong pursuit of music and writing, resonated with what I perceived to be my creative spirit. His story is a testament to the power of unwavering passion, reminding me to stay true to my artistic vision even in the face of challenges.

Furthermore, Yogananda's leadership wasn't confined to stages or studios; he led through service and compassion, guiding countless aspirants on their spiritual journeys. This aspect of his life inspired me to use my platform as an art leader to uplift and empower others, fostering a vibrant and supportive community where artists can flourish.

Ultimately, Yogananda's message of inner peace and self-discovery imbued my sense of leadership with an authenticity and depth that transcends the superficialities of the world, encouraging me to attempt to lead with both vision and empathy.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

The road to success is littered with failures. Failure is a crucial part of the learning process. Embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and get back up stronger. Resilience is key to long-term success.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

We never know the impact of our actions until we see them in hindsight. In 2019 a young woman looked me up online to thank me, and I am embarrassed to say I didn't specifically remember her. She was so kind, and earnest and said "You taught me how to read, and I'm now a paralegal. I never would have believed that was possible in prison."

From my standpoint, reading was critical to survival in prison over all of those years. It was a bona fide escape, and a chance to heal your mind. I taught everyone who asked for help, training them on books I knew they would passionately enjoy at a reading level that wouldn't demoralize or demean them. I taught dozens of women how to read on James Patterson books. It gave me a new perspective on how to engage their interest without "boring" primer books. I had no idea on that impact until years later.