New York-based artist and illustrator Amber Ma subtly integrates elements of darkness into her fantasy-based illustrations. Her inspirations are grounded in childhood stories, such as her series Pinocchio Forest which visually investigates the myth surrounding the storybook puppet’s long nose. In the series of watercolor and sumi ink works Ma mixes elements of tension and warmth. This contrast interrogates the notion of a lie, presenting how the action can both hurt and protect those closest to us.