Bio: I am 35 years old, born in Trinidad and Tobago. I moved to New York when I was in High-school and after graduating, joined the United States Army. My service consists of 4 combat tours over 10 years of service.

Impact art has made: As a child I have always loved art and enjoyed drawing but grew out of it. It wasn’t until after my injuries that put me in the hospital, I found my way back to drawing. It gave me a way to express my feelings and bring my emotions to light. While in the hospital others told me, I should continue drawing and pursue art. It happened that a gallery opened next to my therapist office. Through Wounded Warrior Project’s Independence Program and my art mentor/teacher, Mr. Olasubomi, I have found painting and the rest is history.

New Beginnings: This painting is my representation of “New Beginnings” because in the past I have self medicated with alcohol. One day I woke up and wondered what life would be like without it. So, I decided to pick up sobriety, now this is my “New Beginning”.

By taking this step I am struggling, it is painful, but, it is making me grow mentally, physically, and emotionally. There have been many tools that I have had to learn to cope with my depression, anxiety, and anger, but alcohol was also one of them. I have learned that just like therapy and art, exercise can also be a tool to help deal with these emotions.

This painting is my new beginning of dropping negative coping mechanisms and picking up sobriety and becoming mentally, physically, and emotionally stronger.

Piece created with: For this project I used acrylic on canvas size 30x40.