Sins and Needles: A Story of Spiritual Mending

by Melanie Materson and Ray Materson

Ray Materson wanted to be a priest when he grew up. He was an A student and sixth-grade class president. But in college Ray began drinking, which led to drug experimentation, which devolved to an addict's life of living fix to fix. Finally, petty acts of theft and the end of loans from friends led to carjacking with a toy gun and a sentence of twenty-five years behind bars. One miserable day in prison, Ray remembered an image of his grandmother sitting...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1565123409
• ISBN13: 9781565123403
• Release Date: August 2002
• Publisher: Algonquin Books
• Length: 212 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.9" x 7.3"

Customer Reviews

An Artistic Genius Revealed

Ray Materson was born with the gift of being an artist- a person highly sensitive to pain and to pleasure who could convey these feelings to others. Even when locked up in a jail cell, with nothing to work with, he created his own materials- ironically one of them being a needle (a paraphernalia of the drug trade) and sock threads to create incredible stunning detailed works of depth and beauty of a definite style, snapshots of memory overflowing with feeling. Fortunately an appreciator, who was to become his soulmate and wife, came along and tells his life story with its suffering and its pleasures. The glossy pages show the embroideries at their very best. This book is a MUST read for all interested in art as a whole, particularly in embroidery, "Outsider Art", "Raw Art", in teaching, and in realizing how important artistic expression is and how important it is to be there for others as an Appreciator.

A very uplifting tale of both despair and love............

I thought that this book was very well written and quite captivating in that I never put it down until all was read. A peek into a personal life can be very educational and enlightening and I truly believe that this book has helped me to better understand lifes many possible ups and downs and just how important both freedom and love are in a persons life. I very much look forward to the next book by the Matersons and hope that it is soon! I wish them the best in their new life and a hearty pat on the back is in order!

The Healing Powers of Art and Love

A classic story of suffering and redemption, Sins and Needles offers a clear look at the tragedies of drug abuse and prision, and also gives a message of hope. The writing is direct and straightforward, driving the plot in a way that kept me turning the pages. In addition to a very moving story, many of the events are illustrated with the author's beautiful artwork to drive home the message. And the book has a great ending. I devoured the book in a day, and my wife did, too after I gave it to her. Bittersweet, uplifting, hopeful, and completely real. It will convince you that art and love can heal.

Hope there's a movie coming out with this story!

What is most amazing is that anyone can achieve such detail in any medium. His artwork speaks for itself, each piece selling for thousands of dollars. Sins and Needles is the first complete look at this man's turn from drugs to helping others. I first saw some of Ray's work years ago and have seen him since on television and in newspaper and magazine articles. Ray and Melanie's story is very enjoyable and uplifting. I only hope someone picks the movie rights up and we get to see the story on-screen! He continues "redeeming himself" working with trouble youth at a residential treatment center in Upstate New York with his artwork, his story and his passion to keep others from travelling the road that he travellled.

Inspiration to Others

In "Sins and Needles" Ray and Melanie Materson share a message of hope, that people can and do change. The prison experience is often so damaging that it serves to derail those who truly are committed to improving their lives. Ray's story is unique in its journey, but not in its message. As a reader I found genuine insight to the cost of addiction, both to its victims and to society at large. I've already shared my copy with friends and will continue to do so. Keep up the good work, Ray!