My current work explores how creative methodologies can improve our mental health. On a gloomy day in February 2023, I glanced at my Polaroid camera. I felt the urge to capture my state of mind. As I did, I realised how much power non-verbal communication is capable of; sometimes the way we feel is challenging to express with words.
I initiated this project using an auto-ethnographic approach, supported by broader contextual research. In particular I discovered the use of photography in therapy, and how it is used as a tool to promote mental wellbeing, marking the beginning of months of research and self-discovery. I intend for my practice to engage in the vulnerable, honest, and deep – qualities I find important in creativity and expression.
The aim of my work is to highlight how important photography is and how it can have a positive impact on people’s lives. As I am not a trained professional within the field of phototherapy, I have utilised my own creative abilities to communicate the positive impact that photography can have on our mental health.
The creative print center ExWhyZed assisted me greatly in the printing process. Check out their case study of this project, and more information about me as a practitioner: https://exwhyzed.com/portfolio/royal-college-of-art-final-major-project-printing/
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“A New Perspective: The Mental Benefits of Photography” is a 92-page publication, through which I explore how photography can be used as a therapeutic tool, the impacts and pros/cons of photography in our increasingly digital society, a questionnaire and participant responses to a workshop I hosted for RCA students, including responses from a professional photographer, Dan Rubin, about the importance of photography.
Preview of the book.
A quick look of the entire publication.
These, and the following photographs communicate certain mental states, such as feeling stuck, creative blocks, disruption of balance, and a bit of identity crisis. For this process, I used my Instax SQ10 Polaroid camera and the long-exposure setting on my iPhone.
Inner critic.
Self-demanding.
Utilising my graphic design skillset to emphasise certain emotions and workshop responses, featured in the book.
Workshop response, in collaboration. Expressing the word 'peaceful'.
Workshop response, in collaboration. Expressing the word 'shocked'.
(March 2023) Utilising stop-motion, I wanted to communicate in a different way than I am used to.