The title of this series is NUMB, because it encompasses the entirety of the healing process that I have undergone to release the trauma surrounding major incidences in my life. As well as free the associated patterns from influencing my path.

I produced this body of work while undertaking my Master's degree in Documentary Photography during the COVID-19 outbreak. I chose to do the most terrifying things to me, shifting the camera on myself to capture the essence and desire to heal from past trauma. I realized if I wasn't willing to photograph and shine the light on myself that I didn't have the right to ask others to be my subject. Though some are more comfortable in front of the camera than others, it takes intense bravery to be the main subject of a documentary project. For my practice, for my future self and my inner child it was time to reflect on my pain and document the difficulties of healing.

I decided black light paint was the way for me to capture this trauma healing. The impact of the colors combined with that specific lighting encapsulates the darkness i've felt deep within me, swallowing me whole and where I am going. The colors, writing and drawings that appear on my body in the images represent the emotions, healing work, memories and trauma response that have occurred throughout the entire process.

It's taken me 4 years to bring this project into the light because I was scared of truly allowing it to hold space in the universe. I've thought about it more times than I can count over the years, but it wasn't until now, in my sobriety that I am able to see it clearly and give it the scope it deserves. By pointing the camera inward, I had to face myself in the most raw way I could ever imagine, because photography is how I communicate and understand the world around me. The collection of photographs included were selected to show the pain, joy and numbness that comes with non linear healing and ultimately the release of surrendering to what has been overcome.