For many artists, visual representation begins with the creative exploration of real and personal experiences. The primary challenge in creating such introspective works is maintaining the ability to connect with a broader audience. For high school students specifically, tremendous pride manifests in the creation of artistic works that represent their own unique transformations and adventures. One artist who has devoted her entire life to the documentation of life's twists and turns is contemporary photographer and book artist, Bea Nettles. It is because of Nettles's primary focus on life's events, that her work is a suitable addition to the secondary curriculum. Through her unique manner of representation, her autobiographical stories seem to become tales that are relatable to everybody. This approach to the creative expression of self is one that many, particularly the contemporary adolescent, can embrace and explore. Exploring diverse ways to create visual and literal renderings about their own lives and stories provides meaning and understanding for art students and viewers. Through the investigation of Nettles's works, students may begin to see their own artworks from a different perspective. (Contains 6 figures and 1 endnote.)