In honor of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week^® (February 20-26, 2011), CollegeResponse^® is pleased to share the artwork of Lauren Webb, who is an 18-year-old, first year studio art major at Virginia Tech, in Blacksburg, VA. Accompanying her original pieces, Lauren describes, in her own words, her struggle with an eating disorder.

1. “Who’s In Control Now?”
This piece describes my battle with bulimia and the hardship I had to overcome with food. The picture shows my self portrait made of various foods in my daily routine. I would try to eat all the healthy foods but end up eating all the wrong ones. There is a pepper in front of my throat to represent the burning and pain I put myself through, and in the end I had to except the monster inside me.

2.“Does Anyone Notice?”
This artwork is about exhibiting your self confidence and not comparing yourself to others.

3.“Anxiety”
I created this one when I felt like everything in my life was unravelling. I was constantly stressed about school, friends, and my short-comings. I couldn’t even control my food, mindset, or anxiety and it all became too much to handle.

4.“Lost Personality”
During the roughest part of my eating disorder I wasn’t able to be myself or show my true colors. I created this piece during my treatment sessions when I started to feel like myself again. I was becoming aware of my chaos, learned to accept who I am, and turned to art for relief.

Editors note: Copyright (c) 2011 by Lauren Webb. All rights reserved. Reproduction or other use of this picture without express written consent of Lauren Webb is forbidden.