Before you judge them, hear their stories. "Skin Deep", an innovative project from photographer Steven Burton, captured portraits of 28 former gang members and incarcerated men and women, and he spent more than 400 hours in Photoshop digitally removing their tattoos.
Burton was inspired by Rev. Gregory J. Boyle, who many know as G-Dog.
Boyle, an ordained Catholic priest, is the founder and director of Homeboy Industries, a Los Angeles-based gang intervention, rehabilitation, and re-entry program. In addition to classes, employment counseling, substance abuse support, legal services, and mental health care, Homeboy Industries pays for laser tattoo removal treatment for 950 clients each month.
These tattoos are not only visible reminders of gang and prison life, but they can make it difficult for these men and women to find employment.
To many, the tattoos (and the people underneath) are intimidating and scary. Legal or not, some companies and schools just aren't willing to take the risk.
Burton didn't just photograph the homeboys and homegirls. He listened to their stories, too.
Each interview revealed personal and shocking details about life before and after the gang. Many suffered abuse or addiction prior to and during their years in the gang. They've witnessed unthinkable violence and are doing their best to start over, for themselves and their families.
"The cards they were dealt in the beginning really set the course for their life in the gang. It's never really been so much of a choice for a lot of these people," Burton said. "But what's beautiful about the people I talk to is that they've made the choice to leave the gang, and it's a difficult one."
To read more of Erin Canty's article, please click here.
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