"The Romanticism of Mental Illness and Abuse"
#1 ANXIETY: the dark circles of sleepless nights
#2 ALCOHOLISM: the liquid slavery
#3 ROMANTIC VIOLENCE: a kiss from the devil
#4 MEDICATION: swallowing a smile
#5 EATING DISORDERS: the gourmet vomit
#6/7 DEPRESSION: an angel's tears
#8 OVERDOSE: hectic habits
#9 VICES: the empty void
#10 DOMESTIC ABUSE: a lack of love
SPECIAL THANKS: to my two models, Brooke Campbell and Hailey Moreira.
This collection of photographs going into my portfolio is a visual representation of the romanticism of mental illness and abuse. Inspired by my own struggles and the struggles of others around me, I used this inspiration to fuel the small idea forming in the back of my mind. Creativity and the need to make a statement fueled me to pursue this idea, bringing my friends and glitter into the equation to demonstrate the romanticism we see in everyday media and society. As someone personally struggling with mental illness, I had an inside view on what the media portrayed them as and how wrong their interpretations truly were. Painting dark glitter under my model’s eyes and labeling it “Anxiety” and giving trails of light blue glitter on the cheeks of the other and calling it “Depression”, I exposed the absurdity and over exaggeration that the media gave to conditions that millions of normal everyday people have. I chose these photos for my portfolio because I see them as strong and unique images that make an important statement that not only exposes the truth of illnesses and abuse, but exposes the way that the media influences interpretations of these. When people view these photographs, I hope to evoke strong emotions and shock the observer. I want to make the viewer stop and think and ponder the meaning behind each image and figure out what it represents. I want the image to resonate within those who have experienced mental illness and abuse and enlighten other people who have not. At 17 years old, I have experienced many things in my lifetime. Many of these things have been experienced through art. Things like writing and books became my favorite pastime and as a child, coloring, painting and creating was my way of expressing myself. Now that I have grown older, art has taken on a new role in my life. Through writing I have been able to explore my feelings and inspire others. I gained a new appreciation for art, using it to give me new inspiration and a new view on life. Art has changed my life for the better and I will allow it to continue and change me for the better.