Who Do You See When You Look in the Mirror

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Beth J.

• Artist Statement

  This piece was an exploration of processing different emotions that come with anxiety, body dysmorphia, depression, and other struggles my friends and myself grapple with. "Who Do You See When You Look in the Mirror" shows the faces of young women struggling to be themselves while battling these challenges: showing who they really are when they remove the "mask" that they show to the world. I decided to take on this challenging message to show others that they are not alone, no matter how they feel. The different emotions, shown by tears, blood, scars, and more, are painted in glitter to signify that our imperfections are beautiful, no matter the struggles that lead to them. Overall, this message of community and camaraderie across lines of difference is reflected in a thought-provoking way, as I use mixed media to elicit reactions and cultivate connections.

• Creative Statement

  Exploring my creativity pushes me to understand myself in different ways. Through visual art, I can explore my emotions and experiences, and confront my struggles in new ways, helping me learn to cope and better myself in ways other forms of expression don't allow.