Embrace the Suck by Shawna Lacoste
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
Size: 22 x 28 inches
Artist statement: “My name is Shawna Lacoste. I am 45 years old, serving a 6 to 20 year sentence at Cambridge Springs. This is my very first time entering the art show. I discovered that I’d like to draw last year when I was in the house of healing program. This is my first time painting anything on canvas. It was a learning process and I enjoyed figuring things out. My picture represents me, while I am incarcerated. My father was a major role in my life. He taught me to persevere, to have strength and endurance in every situation. He taught me to have grit to never give up. He passed away last summer on August 6. His spirit has broken through these walls, and his strength is with me, helping me to embrace the situation. He was a very proud marine and a Vietnam veteran. This picture is me, with my dad strength, helping me to endure this time, a 6 – 20, and a hit time. I’ll be doing 10 behind bars. The saying “embrace the suck “needs to push through, no matter how hard or awful the situation is, except it, figure out a plan, and get through it with dignity, pride and fortitude. I am a fan of graphic art, and I hope this helps you all understand that people on the outside help us on the inside of these walls. Thank you, Shawna.”
Image description: An arm breaking through a brick prison wall holding a watch. The arm has a military tattoo and the wall has graffiti that says “Embrace the suck”,