Inspiration for the piece:

The inspiration for this piece is personal life struggles and experiences. I've had a lot of pain and loss in my life and made bad decisions. But I've also been blessed with a beautiful daughter and great family. Throughout everything I've experienced I've never taken the time to dissect what I've been through, who I was, who I am, and who I want to be...my heart has been through more than me. . .

What role does art play in your life?

Art plays a massive role in my life. Without art I wouldn't be the person I am today. It's transformative. The need to create and hope for a better life inspires me to do/create art.

Artist statement:

My name is Courtney "Blanco" Ocegueda. I'm 29 years old and have been incarcerated since I was 19 years old. Art has been the beacon of hope for me. Throughout my incarceration, I've delved deep into art and the entirety of the art world looking to learn more and more as time goes on. I've been lucky enough to be part of a tattoo program and am proud to say I am one of the first inmates to be licensed in the country while incarcerated.

I am a proud father of a beautiful girl, who inspires me to be who I am and keeps me motivated. My mediums are graphite, acrylic and tattoo ink. I am a Mexican/African American and proud to be. I see you and your struggle. Our hearts are strong.