One of the principal reasons I became a photographer was because I had a burning need to express myself through art. I needed to escape from my so-called reality and use photography as my creative outlet. I have used photography and the arts in the past as a means of staying positive and creative in dark times. Especially throughout the lockdown period. I believe it is extremely important, to be and to stay creative as a positive outlet for our mental health, in these new and challenging times.
The arts are extremely important for our mental health, not just creating art for oneself but it is important for the spectator, to view art in galleries, museums or online. It allows the viewer to escape reality for a moment and to be inspired, to observe art and photography as a visual, creative, and positive outlet. Art and photography can improve and manage negative behaviours, process feelings, reduce stress, anxiety, increase self-esteem and self-discovery.
The work titled Penumbra, was created as a form of therapy and escapism through the dark months. Creating this work, allowed me to exercise my mind in a positive and creative approach. This body of work provided me the opportunity to observe the mundane of the everyday and turn these scenes in to a visually, romantic, and creative observation. Exposure to art and nature or even viewing scenes of nature through art, can improve physical and mental health wellbeing. Without photography and the visual arts, I cannot even imagine where I would be physically or mentally today. Photography has provided me a rich and a positive outlet throughout my creative and personal life.