Damien Echols, best known for his wrongful conviction and subsequent release after years on death row, has now become a prominent figure in the art world. Along with surrealist painter David Stoupakis and Gothic illustrator and musician menton3, Damien has formed the artist collective known as The Hand. This group is preparing to unveil their first collaborative exhibition, Salem, at Copro Gallery in Santa Monica on March 19th. In an exclusive interview, Damien discusses his artistic journey, the meaning behind his work, and his ongoing exploration of magick through his art.
Since your release, you’ve immersed yourself in various forms of art, from tattooing to gallery exhibitions. What is it about art that resonates with you, especially given the transformative journey you’ve been on?
For me, art is a natural extension of my magickal practice. The creation of art is just a vehicle for expressing and sharing magick with the world. Whether it’s tattoos, paintings, or sculptures, it’s about trying to make the world a more magickal place. The artwork is a tool, a way to communicate and manifest the energy that drives me.
The Salem exhibit will feature two pieces you created while on death row. Can you share what was going through your mind when you made them?
When I was creating art in prison, I didn’t view it as art in the traditional sense. I saw it more as gifts – a way of showing gratitude to those who supported me. I couldn’t go out and buy presents, but I could offer something personal, a way to reciprocate the energy and care I was receiving from others.
You’ve spent time in Salem, and now you’re collaborating with David and menton3 on an exhibit that centers around the theme of Salem. What is it about this place that inspires you?
Salem resonated with us for several reasons. Most people have felt like outcasts at some point in their lives, and the people of the Salem witch trials were the ultimate outcasts. We wanted to honor them, almost like patrons of those who are marginalized or misunderstood. On a personal level, Salem was once my home, and it holds a unique significance for David as well. Modern-day Salem, for us, is a place that embraces the strange and the different, a place that has learned from its past and now welcomes all forms of magick. This exhibit is a tribute to that acceptance and the freedom to be different.
You’ve also turned your body into a living canvas, covering it with symbols and sigils of your own design. What was the inspiration behind this, and how will you know when it’s complete?
The idea behind what I call my “flesh book” was born out of necessity. When I went to prison, they took everything from me, even my hair. But they couldn’t take my skin. So, I began tattooing myself, as a way to hold onto my art, to keep a connection to it, no matter where the original pieces might end up. I don’t know exactly when it will be finished, but I’ll know when it is. The work will let me know when it’s done.
Tell me about the “Magick Revolution” campaign. What are you trying to achieve with it?
The goal of Magick Revolution is to spread a deeper understanding of what magick truly is and to correct the misconceptions surrounding it. Magick is a valid and beautiful spiritual practice, and it helped me survive some of the darkest times in my life. Through this campaign, I want to help others use these techniques to navigate their own challenges and make sure the misinformation that led to my wrongful conviction is eradicated. No one else should have to face what I did because of ignorance or fear of what they don’t understand.
Are there more collaborative exhibitions planned with you, David, and menton3? What can we expect in the future?
David, menton, and I have many plans for the future. We’ve discussed several projects, including creating our own tarot deck, and we plan to continue working together for years to come. The hardest part is figuring out which project to tackle first!
What’s next for you personally, Damien?
For me, everything revolves around magick and the Magick Revolution. Whatever project I decide to take on next, it will always center around those themes. Art, in all its forms, is a way to continue my practice and share it with others. That’s what drives me forward.
