earth is not a cold dead place

'earth is not a cold dead place' examines dissociation as a means of coping with our manmade environment, and transforming that dehumanizing reality into security and safety through reattachment to nature.

'earth is not a cold dead place' addresses our society's abuse of and dissociation from nature and thus, ourselves.

In relation to how we may dissociate from our identity or our bodies to survive a toxic relationship, home environment or abusive parent, we have likewise dissociated from nature. Nature, not human nature, is presented as something to be feared, conquered and removed from our psyches. Nature is unsafe for us. 

This project argues that dissociation from self is a cause and effect of living within a manufactured, unsustainable emotional, physical or spiritual environment. Dissociation is the root of our pain, confusion and suffering. Reconnecting to nature eases that burden and transforms a toxic reality, creating a safe place and self. 

Safety is a universal human need and we are constantly subconsciously and consciously in search of it. This project is the summation of roughly five years' journey through dissociative and panic disorders and PTSD. To represent these experiences in images, I create using focus, blur and double exposures in contrast to colour, clarity and light to move the viewer through feelings of dissociation toward attachment.