Short Editor’s Note: New York City has long been regarded as the city of opportunity and chance – the city where one’s dreams come true. Yet the opportunities aren’t as bountiful as they seem. And for those who wish to acquire prestige and success, a struggle is often born. In a bi-weekly multimedia series entitled 30 under 30; GALO will be showcasing the inner and outer struggles of 30 New York City artists under the age of 30, whose unfortunate circumstances brought them to glory.

In the third story of the series, GALO brings you into the life of Brooklyn based painter Heidi Elbers, whose burn scars led into a redefinition of beauty and discovery of self.  

Photo and video created by Mike Dote. Editing done by Mike Dote and Yolanda Rhooms.