Charcoal streaks sketched on a canvas so pure. Blue, pink, silver palettes brushed on the illustration. Straight lines outline the focal points of the art. Background caked on in hopes of hiding the imperfections. And last a purse of the lips for the final application. When the painting is complete, she looks at her reflection through a mirror that knows her better than she knows herself. Internal tears drip off of her heart as she exhales preparing to singe and straighten her locks. Once she accessorizes to coordinate with her face and hair she takes a final inspection in the mirror. Beautiful. That’s what she sees as her reflection looks back at herself. But no one will know what she is hiding. Yet there is also a mutual understanding as she is not the only one who masks her identity. She is not alone when she awakens in the morning and begins the daily process of art making. Unnatural beauty. What she believes people see is someone who is beautiful. To her this is what she defines as beautiful. What she doesn’t seem to realize yet is what counts in the end is what beauty lies within.