"Addiction is Affliction"

Artist Statement:

In this series of four photographs, I sought to create an atmosphere of isolation, and to capture imagery symbolizing the world inside an addict’s mind. The self-portrait serves as the focal point of the four-photograph sequence, depicting addiction thriving in isolation. Addictions need to be addressed as an illness in need of treatment - not as a character weakness or a moral failure. Like smoke signals a fire, addiction signals a deeper affliction plaguing the individual beyond the addiction itself. Because addiction thrives in isolation, the first step in healing from addiction is, paradoxically, to open up from isolation and admit to being addicted. Those admitting addiction in hopes of healing desperately need to be received with open arms, because if the addict encounters harsh rejection, the isolation only grows stronger, and the isolation feeds the addiction. Addiction is addiction, no matter the behavior or substance being abused - and once the addict can be seen with compassionate eyes and a malleable heart, that is when isolation fades and true healing begins. ​