Contrasting light and dark, my artwork Forward illustrates the face of recovery transitioning from addiction to recovery. The vibrant, forward-facing side of the artwork represents clarity and hope ahead, while the darker side acknowledges the pain of addiction. The illuminated gaze reinforces that recovery is possible with compassion, support, and action to move “forward.” This artwork is an ode to the loved ones I’ve lost to addiction, and to the support I’ve received in my own life to overcome obstacles.

My thought process when creating this artwork was to portray the importance of self-love in healing and recovering from substance abuse. I have learned that it is important when dealing with addiction, it is important to see value in oneself and want to get help. I believe self-honesty and the will to change in my opinion is very important in the healing process. It is my hope that the piece I created has a positive impact on our community, and is beneficial for this important campaign.

I was inspired by the pill bottle itself. I am on some prescription medications and often times I feel I am held captive by the drugs they possess. I imagined someone who has an addiction as being trapped by the same bottles that I grew to detest. Held captive by the pill bottle filled with their drug of choice.

As I crafted this piece of art, I was driven by the desire to portray the stark before and after of opioid addiction. I’ve learned that drug abuse is a merciless destroyer of lives, mental health, and physical well-being. I’ve felt the painful loss of loved ones who lost their battles and the exhilarating triumph of those who’ve overcome. If my art can help just one person understand the ravages of addiction and find the strength to seek help, then I’ve made a difference.

My inspiration behind this piece, substance abuse has had a large effect in my life, surviving my own battles with opioids, this campaign brought awareness and the opportunity for me to express my experiences on canvas. In 2011 I was in a bad accident where my femur was fractured, I was put on heavy medication for the pain. That was the door opening to a dark tunnel, it took some very uncomfortable situations, circumstances. But in that dark space I found the most important ingredient to my life, God. Surrender, my own will and hunger for better habits and a lifestyle, were not strong enough to change the direction of my life. When I surrendered, prayed and gave my life to my higher power, God. The universe, started to work in my favor, and the transformation began. It has been a journey to say the least, but in the chaos I found peace. It takes community support, family and friends as well to help protect us from this disease. I recently lost a close friend from an overdose in 2023, so I also wanted to say her name out loud, and remember her, and celebrate her life.