The Value of Sadness: Listen to Your Tears

This self portrait series is a time capsule of real emotions and events that occurred. As a highly sensitive individual, I've struggled with depression both seasonal and otherwise at different times throughout my life. These selfie photographs were taken last winter. The winter blues coupled with being in an abusive relationship brought my mental health to a record low. My hope is to help others understand there is value in emotions whether seemingly negative. Crying stigma has unfavorably affected many for far too long. My attempt to legitimize emotional release as a means of strength touches on the importance of embracing both the light and the dark aspects of our being. While I can feel deep sadness that engulfs me at times, I can also feel elation and ecstasy. I believe emotions are intrinsically important in order to gauge the events occurring in our life at any given moment. Happiness has a place and sadness has equally important value. Making this series challenged me on an emotional level as well as an artistic level. My attention to detail from perfecting surfaces to emulating flyaway hairs has given the opportunity to love myself and my craft in new ways. I'm beginning my journey back to health on a mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual level. The catharsis provided by painting this series healed me and I will forever value them because of it.