Inspiration for the piece:

When I first began this journey, my tunnel was dark with no light appearing. With time and help from positive programming, the darkness began to grow light. The closer I get to release I am able to see the opening and a new day. No matter how dark the tunnel may seem, there's always the opening bringing new light. And so I will persevere.

What role does art play in your life?

Going forward, art will be a part of my life

Artist statement:

A novice to art, I took this program to grow as an individual. When I began my journey of incarceration my tunnel was completely dark. Peering out, all I could see was negativity. With the help of positive programming, mindfulness, and new ways to cope, I began to see the end in sight. Art From the Inside taught me that even a novice can persevere by gaining new strength to carry on without a doubt or fear. Thank you to all those associated with Art From the Inside, especially Antonio, Ms. Bechel, Molly and Willard. People like you give us strength to persevere.