But he never lost his love for art.
Here is his story.
Pedro Roque Urra:Resources are scarce for artists in Cuba, where Im from.
My love for sculpture blossomed in my late 20s.
In 1998, my wife and I applied for the green card lottery to go to the United States.
We were selected in 2006.
I was already 46 years old, but we were ready to begin a new life.
We immigrated to Louisville, Kentucky, with our two sons and struggled to adapt.
We werent used to the cold, and my first job was tough.
I worked as a welder at a factory while trying to learn English.
He was kind enough to pop pop the workshop for me on weekends.
The completed work was a 36-inch bust titled Eva Spanish for Eve.
I was trying to reflect the beauty of creation.
Things got better when I found my current employment, busing tables at a Cuban restaurant named Havana Rumba.
I go around with my cart, picking up plates and glasses.
Meanwhile, a bust of Don Quixote that I sculpted is on display at the restaurant.
When customers find out that I made it, they tell me I should devote myself to art full-time.
Thats my lifelong dream.
When I make art, I never stop I surrender entirely to the process of creation.
One day I hope to create works that can be exhibited in public spaces.
What I get from my art goes beyond the contemplation of beauty and aesthetic values.
My goal is to make people pause for a minute and reflect.
Where do we stand?
How are we moving forward as a species?
