Shawn Fox Finds a Post-Incarceration Fresh Start in Leatherwork
At 59, Shawn Truman Fox has lived many lives, but his latest incarnation is one built through leatherwork and community.
Shawn grew up in and out of Oregon’s juvenile system: St. Mary’s Boys Home at 13, McLaren, county jail, then state prison by age 16. He was released at age 18, spent six months free, then went back in for six years. Following a final 20-month stint of freedom after that, he was eventually sentenced to life without parole at the Oregon State Penitentiary.
For the first 10 years of that sentence, Shawn was caught in addiction and despair. Then a childhood trauma course — and a challenge from Prison Superintendent Brian Belleque — changed everything.
Shawn found purpose in the prison hobby shop through leathercraft. Piece by piece, he rebuilt himself, creating memorial art for families who had lost loved ones and gifting plaques to fundraisers and charities. One of his pieces was made for Justice Anthony Kennedy’s speech on clemency and presented to the Oregon Capitol, where then-Secretary of State Kate Brown received it.
Years later, his transformation caught the attention of the Lewis & Clark Law School’s Criminal Justice Reform Clinic, led by Aliza Kaplan. Their advocacy helped open the door to his eventual clemency and release.
Today, Shawn leads the Leatherworking Guild at Past Lives Makerspace, teaching the craft that helped save his life. His mission is simple: build structure, self-respect, and community through creation.
See + Hear Shawn’s Story on Instagram
Shawn Fox at work in the Leather Guild at Past Lives Makerspace. In this short video, Shawn shares—in his own voice—how leathercraft became the anchor that helped him rebuild his life during decades of incarceration. Today, he teaches others the same craft that transformed him, bringing structure, confidence, and community to every class. Tap to hear Shawn’s story and see the hands-on artistry that continues to guide his path forward.
In this second video, he shares his love for his favorite leatherworking tool: the veiner!
Video credit: @ricky_garcia
Were it not for Shawn’s commitment to craft, he would have died in prison. Art can rebuild a person from the inside out, and Shawn is living proof.
Shawn’s passions today include speaking out in the community and to incarcerated folks about his prison experience and what helped him turn his life around. He also has an intense desire to bring more people to leatherwork and share his vast knowledge of his craft as an instructor.
Shawn teaches both beginner and expert-level classes at Past Lives, ranging from making a key fob to airbrushing leather and other advanced techniques. Visit our Classes page to experience leatherwork taught by one of the best in his field. Shawn’s eager dedication to ensuring every student has an amazing, enriching experience shines through in every session. Book today!
