Thoughts behind the artwork...

I could blame genetics. I could blame the terrible hand I was dealt from the word go. I could blame adversity, life, or the entire world at large. During the years I spent soul searching, I came to one cold, hard truth... it was ALWAYS my choice to drink. Whether or not I understood the ramifications of that choice, it is, was, and always will be irrelevant. It was ALWAYS my own willful hand reaching out for another drink.

For many long years I simply did not care. When that willful hand reached out for another drink, it was a welcome act. Over time, I knew that I would need to find strength to stop that willful hand. At times, it became terribly clear that I simply didn't have the strength to put a stop to it, even though it was killing me. During such times, I felt like I needed to do Whatever it takes To Be Free.

Thankfully, many years ago I was able to find the strength needed to stop that willful hand (without the need of the pictured cleaver). I share such difficult images to let others who still struggle know that they are not alone, and that life goes beyond the darkness of addiction. If you are struggling, never give up on yourself. Always keep fighting.

-John Alexander (aka SirJohn)