This is the first in a series of artworks exploring mental states. There's so much that's not usually talked about, much less shown. Pain, emotional and mental, is especially important. And it's all the more important to make this part of life visible. Because what's given a name has the opportunity to heal.
In my work "PTSD," I use collage to show the fragility of a person in this mental state. I visualize how trauma literally forces a person to hide from others, and the fear that accompanies it renders them mute.
At the same time, a person's enormous inner strength is used to cope with flashbacks and continue to actively engage with the larger reality, trying their best to appear "normal"
I also show that by building external supports, such as close relationships, this person can be stable enough to "light their own stars"
