Thoughts behind the artwork...

Mental illness. There are so many types, gradations, and causes. Whether it be chemical imbalances preventing the mind to function as it properly should, or years of extreme abuse... self-inflicted, or otherwise... the internal suffering is deep and impossible to ignore. To be whole of mind is something to be truly thankful for. Those who have suffered will attest to this. I have created other images regarding this topic. When I created this particular image, I was thinking about the deep suffering of a victim. To suffer mental illness, particularly to an extreme extent, is much like surviving as a victim. I could delve deeper into my thoughts on this, but would rather allow the image to speak for itself.

-John Alexander (aka SirJohn)