I’m good because Art can save lives. My work, mostly sculptural, focuses on issues specifically associated with mental health, as well as the concepts of recovery and being a survivor. I embrace the controversial subject matter of mental illness and explore the problematic place it holds in society. I share extremely personal physical and mental obstacles […]

I have been an artist for as long as I can remember. Ever since I was a kid, I found simple delight in making things. Some of those earliest memories are from when I was five years old. I remember doing drawings of our cat sleeping using a ball point pen on notebook paper. I […]

On March 26, 2015, my 19-year-old brother, Preston, died by suicide.  His death seemed to come out of nowhere, and the storm of emotions in trying to process Preston’s death were wide-ranging and profound. Shock, anger and sadness weaved in and out with confusion, guilt, helplessness and so many other emotions I hadn’t experienced in […]

  “My animation art represents advocacy of strength through mental diversity.” ~Davy Andrek (Cartoonist & Animation Artist). Check out more of Andrek’s work on his Facebook Fan page: Sir Scotty McRockstar & The Who-Agains   

Collaging helps me to create visuals that focus on the things that make me feel good or remind me that I can have purpose. Life can come with bumps & hurdles, one may forget where to find solace when lost in the low lit aspects of this journey. Collaging reminds me that I can create […]

The mission of Black Men Speak–established 2009–is to inform and enlighten the mental health community and the general public on issues concerning African American males with mental health and substance abuse challenges. Our goal is to work towards healing the African American community from stigma, discrimination, and trauma by sharing our stories to promote and […]

  For over 20 years, I had a loving family. I married my high school sweetheart and we raised a beautiful, clever daughter. I worked hard to take care of my family and be the best wife and mother I could be. But life doesn’t always follow the path we think it will. In my […]

Im good because I know my mental health does not determine my success. Im good because I know the power that is within me. Im good because I’ve seen the darkness, but I’m here still spreading the light. Im good because I know I’m not crazy. Im good because I can feel the greatness within […]

  I’m good because I practice yoga. Yoga works well with my WRAP. At PEERS I’ve made presentations about yoga and spirituality, used it in Tobacco Freedom group and facilitated yoga as a staff wellness activity. In fact, I credit yoga for starting my recovery journey. When I couldn’t shut the noise in my head, […]

I’m good because I keep negative/undermining/cut-throat energies (ie people, places and things) out of my positive circle. Sometimes the world can be a harsh place but if we keep our loving/unchanging/trustworthy spirit in one peace at all times, it might start spreading and rub off on others. Until we meet again….