color pencil and graphite; 20×16″ 
“On social media we see pictures, ads, and videos promoting crazy diets, and eating. The internet is full of these promotions, and often we are influenced by them. Not all diets are bad, but how far is too far? The topic I chose to convey specifically in my piece is self-image within eating disorders, and media. Research states ED’s (eating disorders) go back to the 12th century. Today, with social media and access to the internet, the threat is more prevalent. 1 person every 52 minutes dies of an ED, totaling to 27 people a day. This piece outlines the sadness and hope in this. I drew a tangle of tape measures to represent the spiral of mental health, and the obsession with size that many struggle with. I drew “like” symbols, representing social media influence. These are in graphite to make it look dull. Additionally, a hand is reaching outward in violet and lavender, showing recovery and a reach for help. I chose lavender because it is the ED awareness color. I chose this topic because I see how others and I are affected by what we see in the media, and the standards pushed. I want to let people know they aren’t alone, and there is hope if you stretch out a hand for help.”
ARTIST BIO: Leah CAPO is a grade 11 student at Butler Tech School of Art studying art under art teacher Mary Catherine Ruby.