This is Andrea Baines. She is a makeup artist studying at Cassie Lomas Makeup Academy in the UK. She also lives with endometriosis.
Endometriosis, a disease where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus — known as the endometrium — is found outside of the uterus, impacts approximately 200 million people worldwide, or 1 in 10 women.
However, because endometriosis exists internally, it is an invisible illness, causing many people who live with it to feel as if they constantly have to prove that they're in pain.
So when Andrea was tasked in one of her courses with creating a piece of SFX work for an imaginary campaign, she knew she wanted to focus on endometriosis. She told BuzzFeed, "I had been struggling with my endometriosis and had just experienced a three-month-long period so straight away I knew I wanted to do something to show people how much suffering endometriosis causes."
When asked what Andrea hopes people take away from these images, she told BuzzFeed, "I really hope that people who have never heard of endometriosis actually take the time to read about it. I hope people begin to understand that endometriosis — while invisible on the outside — is a life-changing illness and needs more research and better treatment options."
She continued, "And I really hope that people understand how traumatic this is for the sufferer and will have more kindness and compassion towards them in the future and remember that they’re trying their best."
Andrea said the response to this art and these photos so far has been "phenomenal," noting that she had spoken out about her pain online before but never thought to portray it in a graphic way that will not only get people's attention but hopefully make people understand just how painful this condition is.
To anyone reading this who has endometriosis or a similar condition, Andrea wants you to know you are not alone.
