I am honored to contribute art to such a significant initiative aimed at providing accessible Narcan to our community. Having personally faced the challenges of substance abuse and endured the loss of loved ones due to it, I see this as a pivotal moment for change and an opportunity to help diminish the stigma surrounding addiction.

This Narcan machine will be permanently installed at Rise and Recovery Academy, serving as a vital resource.

For those interested in learning more about this project, additional information can be found on Rise Recovery’s website.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Anthony Delabano, founder of Conscious Conduit and Narcandoit, for the opportunity to create this piece and to my friend Tannie for assisting with its transportation.

This painting narrative draws inspiration from a folktale of the Quecha and other indigenous groups, highlighting the courage of the hummingbird in the face of danger. As a forest fire threatens the homes of various animals, they all flee in fear, except for the hummingbird. Determined to make a difference, it flies to a nearby stream to fill its beak with water, bravely dropping it onto the fire. The other animals watch in disbelief, with some attempting to dissuade the hummingbird. Yet it asserts, “I am doing what I can.”