First painting post second cervical disc replacement surgery, a new style always brews and reveals itself after. Years long chronic pain journey, I've discovered a new self within me, a fighter and survivor stronger than I could have imagined, yet devastated, vulnerable and lost. I originally imagined this piece as a spine descending into hips, though as it evolved, a new voice became clear. With a second surgery in the books, with a sub optimal outcome, it almost feels like my body devouring my soul, both skeletons jumbled into the same grave, like Romeo and Juliet. The top skull overpowering the bottom one in a kiss as to consume it, an unrequited love, my inner and outer unable to be together as one in life. But a beauty between them so strong, we still tell the story today.