A photographic collaboration

I am sharing project goals of a photographic collaboration that is beginning to take form. This image is of an empty "set" if you will, that will be used in a series of portraits that address issues of childhood depression, self-harm, and suicidal inclinations.
Our message will communicate that healing is possible and these topics need to be discussed openly to help with that process.
We hope you will follow our progress and support our Kickstarter campaign that will begin shortly.

As we have moved forward with this project we have met so many people who's lives have been touched by these topics that the project has gained importance and new meaning to me.

Our Mission Statement best describes our goals.

MISSION STATEMENT

Through our art, we attempt to depict the long-term consequences of childhood sexual assault, the struggles of depression, low self-esteem, suicidal inclinations, family relationships, and the social stigmas associated with them.

We are addressing topics that the world has not learned to talk about or embrace. Just the words abuse, depression and suicide hold such stigma that many remain silent. Our hope is this project will help foster an open dialog in these areas that have become too easy to brush aside.

Our goal is to show those who may be dealing with these emotions and struggles, that they are not alone. To show that others are aware of, and understand the patterns and thoughts they are experiencing. That healing is possible. We want to tell people who may be on the journey to healing that we all carry our own box of secrets. You are not alone.

Through public displays of this project, we hope to encourage others to identify and share their feelings as well as encouragement to seek help from friends, family, and professionals and to help remove the feeling of isolation, self doubt, and pain they may feel.

With art and voice, we know we can help at least one person see that life is worth fighting for. We want to share with every person struggling with their past and present that everyone’s life is a series of peaks and valleys. No one gets to stay at the top and no one needs to be left at the bottom. That no matter how dark the night may be, the sun will always rise on a new day, we just have to remember to breathe.

Ralph Wilson