Edward Honaker is a photographer who documented his depression. His black and white photographs illustrates his battle with anxiety and depression. Edward Honaker shares the same belief in me when it comes to raising awareness for mental health as he says "Mental health disorders are such a taboo topic. If you ever bring it up in conversation, people awkwardly get silent, or try to tell you why it’s not a real problem. When I was in the worst parts of depression, the most helpful thing anyone could have done was to just listen to me – not judging, not trying to find a solution, just listen. I’m hoping that these images will help open up conversation about mental health issues. Everyone is or will be affected by them one way or another, and ignoring them doesn’t make things better.” This is a great inspiration for me as this can help me strive to achieve a similar aim to what he did. As i am hoping to continue his work but in my own style of photographs but keep his goal of raising awareness for the subject alive and grow.
This can reinforce my ideas for 'Beneath the Surface' as I must use black and white filters to portray anxiety and depression. While the contrast between the colours must be carefully pieced together to create a powerful photograph. I like the idea of him never showing his face in the photographs this then doesn't generalise with anyone and doesn't symbolise a certain group of people. Instead this allows the photograph to be interpreted how ever the viewer wants. This can show how the problems with anxiety and depression can be felt by anyone and people who live with the end up losing themselves. This method of doing something so little and so unique in each of his photographs to present a strong message and idea.
He has used the visual element of shape and form as each of the objects, props and subjects within his piece are all defined by their surroundings. The edges are defined by the smooth texture of the surrounding of the environment whether its the plain bedroom walls for the bed or the smooth calm water against the grass. Edward Honaker uses Lines in his work to create meaning and representation. In the photograph where he uses branches on his back to look like featherless broken wings lines used throughout that piece this shows em and narrative. Light is used in this photo to shine and light
Edward Honaker will help enforce my work with his documentary on his own mental health this will help me get a better insight into living with mental health and the ins and outs of depression. His work on his own mental health will help me create photographs that have a clear message of mental health conveyed throughout it.
