As an artist who has experienced the effects of inner-city violence and adversity firsthand, I know all too well how trauma and difficult experiences can shape one's worldview and sense of self. For years, I carried the weight of my past with me, allowing it to hold me back from fully embracing the opportunities and possibilities that lay before me. 

However, through a long and challenging journey, I have come to realize the power of severance - of cutting ties with the negative aspects of my past and forging ahead towards a brighter future. This concept forms the foundation of my latest solo exhibition, aptly titled "Severance."

In this body of work, I explore the many facets of severance - what it means to leave behind old patterns of behavior, negative thought patterns, and toxic images of self. I also examine the transformative power of severance, as we shed our old skin and emerge anew, ready to embrace the world with a fresh perspective and renewed sense of purpose.

But the process of severance is not easy. It requires courage, determination, and a willingness to face our deepest fears and insecurities head-on. In my work, I aim to capture the raw, visceral emotions that come with this process - the pain, the uncertainty, but also the hope and sense of liberation that comes with letting go.

Ultimately, my hope is that "Severance" will serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement for others who are struggling to overcome their own personal traumas and challenges. Through my art, I aim to show that it is possible to break free from the chains of our past and create a brighter, more fulfilling future for ourselves.