'Ulysses'
Is based on my own recent experiences with depression. "Ulysses" presents an insight into how people are affected by depression. The photographs were a way of portraying my emotions. Understanding why I was feeling how I was. My depression did not just happen overnight, as it does not in many cases. It developed as I gradually lost my identity, turning into something that was not me. I felt as though there were two sides to me, one side was broken suppressing the happiness within me . The work was a cathartic outlet and a huge help for me to communicate feelings that I felt I could not talk about. The wider aim of this work is to help people realize they are not alone. Creating awareness to the feelings many live with and helping those who do not understand the feelings and emotions people with depression have to work through.
Ulysses - Is a type of butterfly, that I personally connected with the meaning of, when creating this body of work. It means - "Random events occurring in your life. Look Straight ahead at your goals"
The blue colour represented in the picture of the butterfly also represent the emotions clearly. Blue - "Can make a person blue. It is considered a sign of life acceptance and meaningful purpose in life. Holding or seeing a blue butterfly can have calming effects. Bringing around transformation and change"
Both aspects were key for me to include in the body of work and in my book. They related to my key feelings and aims while dealing with depression and I thought many others would be able to connect to this. I would like from this work for everyone to understand that depression is not a sign of weakness it means you have been strong for too long, but you are not alone.
Under each photo is some text taken from the book made to showcase the work. The text reflects many feelings that occur with depression and other mental health issues.