Inspiration for the piece:

This piece represents my journey of healing. I'm a survivor of gun violence and I thought my life didn't have meaning. Expressing myself through my creativity has been a part of finding out who I am. Growing up, I felt I had no place, so I turned to a gang, thinking it would give me a sense of belonging, but I felt even more lonely. Stepping into my faith has shown me I have a purpose and I'm continuing to venture into my true self. Knowing my higher power has given me the love I deserve, I will continue to feel whole. This piece not only represents my pain, but the beauty in it as well.

Artist statement:

Through my strength, I shall remain compassionate about what I may gain. Through, through and through, but simple is not my plan, hope is what I maintain. Guidance must override the fame I once seeked, because for me I look beneath my scars, the wounds I kept dear to my heart, hoping the aftermath wouldn't tear me apart. Opening my soul to let God mend my broken heart, yearning for the love of my heavenly Father so hard. Knowing in life things couldn't be so simple, but keeping my God first will now always be mentioned. Far from being gentle, Just me expressing my mental. Hoping one day to break those chains and see through all my beautiful pain . . .