Manuel Mendez

I was born in Cuba, and migrated to the US in 1980 at 9 yrs old. I adapted well for the first few years, until I hit my teens, then a shift took place for the worst and I became a troubled youth, I found myself in juvenile programs and detention center a lot, it was their that I got close to art, just drawing! I grew up and continued on a path of self destruction. Sentenced to prison at the age of 17 due to my addiction, I once again sought Art and we became best friends. Released at 28 yrs old with the greatest of intentions not to go down that path again, and I did! for the next 12 years addiction controlled my life, in and out of rehabs, detoxes, and even homeless shelters. January 16-2012 I had a conversation with my self, and Art somehow got involved, we have been best friends ever since, my creativity grew and I’ve explored many other forms of Art including filming,