Conceptual artist Gary Mansfield was involved in crime from an early age, but wasn’t given a long prison sentence until £4.2 million worth of heroin was planted in his car by a fellow criminal. While serving his time in HMP Swaleside, he was inspired by an art teacher who ignited a passion that fueled his turnaround story. Mentored and encouraged by a host of conceptual artists including Tracey Emin, Gary completed a degree in fine art before creating his own work which has been exhibited internationally, selling for huge sums of money. He interviews other artists on his own Ministry of Arts podcast, and Gary’s belief in the redemptive power of art really comes through when he speaks.For more information and to view dozens more stories, go to www.morethanmypast.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.