In a vividly surrealistic moment, it perfectly encapsulates the cycle of addiction.

Gathering clouds over a mountain and a bright green, flower-filled field give way to a brick wall surrounded by hovering onyx demons and, below, a human hand in chains.

Representations, one and all, of the tragic bondage that is addiction.

While a foreboding, writhing green dragon beneath the brick wall hearkens to the mythical character chased by addicts, a triumphant fist, finally freed from shackles, is surrounded by bright blue figures representing loving angels, topped by a forgiving sun.

For Mat Taylor, this particularly lucid, psychedelic-themed mural, painted upon a wall inside the recently opened Access Point Pueblo's needle exchange in Bessemer, is more than just an artist's depiction.

It's a way to inspire those grappling with addiction to find the same therapeutic solace in art that he did.

A onetime alcoholic now five years sober, Taylor, 35, hopes his creation -- "this is personal for me," he said -- will serve as a starting point for the center's clients to express, in paint and strokes, their experiences with the pains of addiction.

"This is the start of a class I will be teaching here," said Taylor Friday as he put the finishing touches on the 10-by-15 piece. "That's why I came up with the collage. That way, they can just continue on and add to it all around the room.

"I want them to express their interpretation of addiction through painting and hopefully, what healing can represent for them."

Taylor, whose significant talent can be seen within the expansive mural on the south side of the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center and the "Lucky the Horse" piece, also Downtown, said he hopes to fashion more art with a socially conscious message, addressing the obstacles hindering the community's progress.

"It's a way to reach the community through art," Taylor explained. "I feel my murals are a way to uplift others through the medium of painting.

"Every wall has a coat of paint on it anyway, so why not make it a meaningful one? As an artist, I'm able to reach gang members and drug addicts because they're open to the idea of art and can appreciate it."

jpompia@chieftain.com