Nightmares

As a young artist of different mediums, I tend to throw whatever I’m feeling on canvas or on paper to hopefully help myself get through difficult times. It wasn’t until a couple years ago that I realized I could do the same through a lens. This occurred when I first saw both Francesca Woodman’s and Nan Goldin’s work. Their use of self portraiture during times of discomfort and hurt were, in a sense, life changing for me. I always know how one could capture feelings through painting, illustrating, or writing but I had never felt this level of pain, sadness, and power through photos until I saw their self portraits. This inspired me to stop always looking at my surroundings for answers to my photography but to look within myself. 

Ever since I could remember, I’ve had a difficult time dealing with the men that surround my life, from my “dads” to my coworkers. This project touches on the experiences I have with some of the men that broke me down. Some of these images relay the flashbacks and nightmares that come from the sexual harassment/abuse that was brought upon me starting at a very young age. These photos express both the situation and the emotions that come from them. As a person trying to move past it all, I’ve come to terms that what happened will never go away. But now, I can help others with a similar story and background. And if not, it sure is helping me. Nightmares is my story.