Razorwire Art By Vernon Walker

My name is Vernon Walker. I was born and raised in the cities of St. Marys and Witchita, KS. I have roots on the family farm in the City of St. Marys.

I grew up creating art, that is, when I wasn't fishing, camping, hunting, or anything else I could do outdoors. Growing up, I was always the best artist in my age group. I started winning contests as early as the 6th grade. My first win came when I created the class logo. I sold my first work of art at the age of 14.

My only dream, from the age of 14 years old, was to serve my country in the best possible way. To me, that meant joining the US Marine Corps. I graduated high school a semester early just to serve my country that much sooner. 

I definitely got that opportunity when the 9/11 attacks occurred during my last semester in school. I was 17 years old.

I always planned on joining the US Marine Corps; but that was not enough. I didn't want to sit behind some desk while my fellow Marines were on the front lines. So I made the only logical choice. I joined the Marine Corps Infantry. 

Boot camp pushed me harder than I thought possible. After that, training became even more physically demanding. I was 18 years old. 

March 20, 2003

My unit (3/4 Kilo, 1st Mar. Div.) led the invasion into Iraq. This photo was taken of me in Kuwait, a couple of hours before we crossed over the Kuwaiti border into Iraq. I was 19 years old. 

Vernon Walker, USMC

Taken In Ur, Iraq. 2003

April 9, 2003

My unit (3⁄4 Kilo, 1st Mar. Div.) was in 21 combat operations before taking down the famous statue of Saddam Hussein in Firdos Square, Baghdad, Iraq. This action came to symbolize the fall of the dictator and the end of the invasion.

After returning from Iraq, I went home briefly to visit my family in Kansas. Then I returned to California and resumed training for another tour. I was 20 years old. 

I ended up having severe PTSD, which led to me being involved in two first-degree murders when I was 20 years old. It was a horrible period in my life. I shattered other peoples dreams in the process. I shut myself off from the world for the next 20 years, including my loved ones.

After many years of coping with my PTSD in a negative way, I have dedicated my life to bettering myself. I am now in a position that allows me to make amends for my very destructive actions.

By bringing joy to people's lives through art, I can create positivity in this world. I donate my time painting murals at my facility and mentor aspiring artists in the process.

I attend college and self-development groups to better myself. I entered a new peer support counselor training program in Spring of 2025. I tutor inmates preparing to take their GED exams and lead three math classes per day on week days.

I am fully self-sufficient and support myself through my art. I really enjoy creating portraits of loved ones for clients. 

I work mostly with charcoal, acrylic, and oil. I am capable of using any media. I can superimpose one image with another, and specialize in creating custom backgrounds. If you can describe it, I can do it!

I recently began painting acrylic landscapes on canvas, inspired by the amazing work of the legendary Bob Ross. I'm really enjoying it and would love to create a one-of-a-kind scene just for you!

My blog below contains more pictures and information about my life, my art, and my progress. I update it regularly. 

Thanks for checking out my page. I would love to create a fantastic work of art for you to enjoy. You can reach me by email or the links below. I look forward to hearing from you!

-Vern