My Story

My name is Thomas D. Rhodes. My wife tragically died in a boating accident in 1996 despite all my efforts to save her. Two years later, I was arrested in connection with her death, convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. My life had taken an unimaginable turn.

Thankfully, due to the tireless legal representation of the Great North Innocence Project, I was released in 2023 after spending nearly 25 years in prison. I am forever grateful to my family and friends who never stopped believing in my innocence.

My art is dedicated to these individuals. I painted in prison as a way to stay connected with them and to escape my reality. My paintings are inspired by love, loss, new beginnings and freedom.