My artwork was inspired by a dermatology patient Lena* who had come for clinical advice about an eye condition which that had worsened – a complication due to living with Psoriasis. After her consultation, I was lucky to spend some time with Lena and therefore gain a better understanding of her skin disease and how it has impacted her life.
As a young adult, where so much of people’s lives are uploaded onto social media, she had initially struggled with depression as she felt as though she wasn’t pretty or worth enough to post images of herself the way others her age would. Lena did not feel comfortable or safe in her own skin and hated her reflection in the mirror. She used lots of makeup products to conceal the redness which only made her psoriasis flare and worsen. Lena often felt alone and that no one could understand her struggles and the mental toll it takes to have to deal with a disease that affects one’s appearance so dramatically and visually. However, through therapy and meeting people in groups for people with Psoriasis, she had slowly started developing an acceptance for her disease with no cure. Lena now tries to empower other people to feel that their skin is nothing to be ashamed of. She now talks to others about how she cares for her skin and finds the products that work for her and clothes that don’t irritate her skin.
I presented Lena’s red patches as petals to a peony as they are equally as delicate but beautiful. Peonies also symbolize healing which I thought was perfect as she is not only tending to her skin physically but also on a path to mental healing as well. Even with this great improvement, Lena does admit that it is still a long road to feeling beautiful and although she preaches self-love, she isn’t quite there yet. When she’s alone she often feels the insecurities that society constantly reminds her of – but she is working to improve her outlook and acceptance of Psoriasis as a whole.
So in the white background, the drawing is to show the side that Lena expresses to empower others to walk the same path of self-love and acceptance. The dark background is to show the concerns and negative thoughts she still has about herself and to represent that Lena’s path to well-being is not only physically challenging but mentally challenging also.
*Name changed for confidentiality