Desolate Rising was inspired by a series of personal and unfortunate events that occurred while I was studying Ceramics at Arizona State University at Tempe, Arizona. The trials and tribulations I went through during this time period left me feeling burned, broken, destitute, empty, and very much alone. Desolate Rising is a very special self portrait that has become a landmark in my life, reminding me that I once did hit rock bottom, but was able to rise back up to revitalize, rejuvenate, and rebuild myself stronger.