opposite forces.

“You couldn’t have strength without weakness, you couldn’t have light without dark, you couldn’t have love without loss”
― Jodi Picoult 

The beauty of two complete opposites make them both stand strongly in their differences. We push and pull, taking the good and the bad in our strife. I have come to learn how to live in two different ways, understanding the ups and downs that come with life. This past year has shown me the most love I’ve ever felt, as well as the greatest losses and pain I’ve also ever felt.

I created this photo on December 31st 2018, New Years Eve. I visited my grandfathers grave who had died in the August, after sitting with him for a bit of time and reflecting on what this past year has brought, I felt inspired to go and explore the grounds he was buried on, and find inspiration to create close to him. I found a massive open field behind his grave and on it, an old, decaying tree sat heavy (a twisted take on death.) I fell in love with the bright branches against the darkness and was drawn into creating something in that moment. I wanted to create a character who was emerging out of the darkness, finding light. But instead of simply being a story of optimism and hope, I wanted to capture a moment in-between that moment of finding peace from the sadness, as I have often felt this past year. 

To me, this year has been one filled with a new, incredible kind of love- but amongst that I experienced pain like I had never felt, losses each bringing their own darknesses. I have felt pushed and pulled around with these feelings, not really knowing how to move past it all. I think the best thing to do is to understand what hurts and begin to rationalise it, accept it, and make it seem less over-whelming, taking away its power over us. 

I hope with this new year beginning, that I can find more peaceful moments in all of the chaos, and work hard on myself, seeing the beauty in every moment, and the real joy life has to offer. <3