Inspiration for the piece:

From prison I see nothing good. I see no joy, love, happiness and no hope. I see no kindness, no hope of having a future or finding love or getting back the life taken from me. I see only pain, suffering, struggle and no matter how good I am or how much I want to make the world better I will never be allowed to help people, to find love or have a family or go to live free and be happy. I have tried to find hope but it doesn't exist and it is clear that only death can give me and my kids hope and happiness.

What role does art play in your life?

At first, my kids are what inspired me to learn to paint and draw. I wanted to create things for them so then know I love them and think of them and so they could have a piece of me. But now I know my kids will never see it. Now I know it is meaningless, it has no purpose, it will not help my kids or anyone . . . I will never help anyone!

Artist statement:

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