Layers of Us.
Over the years, mental health has been a topic that more and more people feel safe enough to talk about. However, there is still a taboo around it. There are still many people who don't feel safe talking about their mental health, even though it's so important we all do. People aren't taken seriously. Their stories aren't taken seriously. With this project, I wanted to embody all of what mental health represents and offer an open, honest and safe space for people to talk about their experiences with their mental health.
"Mental health" actually contains a lot of different layers, such as ADHD, ADD, PTSD, depression, grief, eating disorders, etc. I wanted to talk to multiple people who have multiple of those experiences. The way I wanted to achieve this, was to have an open conversation. Not an interview, but really a conversation. Asking them questions about their mental health and offering them the space to ask me questions in return, which I would answer honestly as well. People can share their story, in their own words. Within their own boundaries. I wanted them to feel safe, as a lot of people haven't felt safe to share their story before.
Making art while talking.
During our conversation, we would make some art together. They would tell me what they'd like to create and we'd create it together. Wether that'd be with paint, coloring pencils, watercolor, etc. it really didn't matter. Whatever they wanted to do, I'd be going along with them.
Their own, real name doesn't have to be used if they prefer to be anonymous. Additionally, they don't have to be photographed if they prefer not to. The photograph will be replaced with an other photograph that'd have a reference to their story. And, very importantly: they have the final say wether the edited version of their story + the photograph(s)/illustration(s) get published or not.
Click on this link to see the final product.