John Lennon's Peace

by Armstrong MP

Black Ink Pen Sketch on Canvas

18 x 24 Unframed

My life started in the Bronx. Yes, the Bronx, where street graffiti art and hip hop devoured this artist. I am a 80s baby that witnessed 90s' crises. I drew my first pencil mural at the age of 5 the white, recently painted walls of my bedroom. Most of the time during my early years, it was school, playtime, church, and juvenile times. It seemed overwhelming but I had time to fit everything into my busy schedule.

Then, the teen years came and I witnessed crime, did crime, escaped crime. Most definitely, I am sure glad that I did, because I learned from my mistakes. At every step, I would take art classes or practice my talent in art classes in every school I attended. I was diagnosed with a psych condition later on but it did not deter me from exemplifying greatness in artistry.

One day, I was struck by a city bus, and underwent rehabilitation, but I did not allow that to stop my talent from becoming something more. In high school, I enhanced my gift with sculpting, canvas advancement and different mediums. Later, I graduated with honors and attended Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC). I never gave up and I've finally graduated from BMCC in Summer 2022. I have a beautiful wife Kendra and am the father of daughter, the late Elliott Pelzer and her little sister Darien who is now 3 years old.

I dedicate this piece to them and peace to its future owner - the peace that art has been in my life. I owe it all to perseverance and overcoming adversity.