Inspiration:

The inspiration for this piece came from a picture that I saw. The picture I saw was a sign that said "The Door of No Return." It was at a slave trade. It was just a little door that you could slide through and when you go through that door you die. As I fight for my sentence to be changed this front door of the prison is my door of no return. After almost 9 years of being locked up, I know my time is coming to an end. I found my way to the door of no return and I'm opening it to see my future.

What role does art play in your life?

I found that I am art and because of that, art plays one of the biggest roles in my life. I realized art is whatever you come up with and put out in the world. What inspires me to create art is knowing that I have something to give back to the world. I can be relatable to someone or I can give someone courage to try. Art is what you create, never stop creating. Your art just might save and change a life.

Artist statement:

I never considered myself an artist until I was selected to be a part of the 12 week AFTI program. I realized that I am art. I was beautifully and wonderfully made by my Father in heaven. Now everything I do, touch and create I know is art. Never say you're not an artist because you don't think you can draw or paint like the next person. Whatever you create - that's what makes you an artist!