Unframed / Giclee Hahnemühle Baryta / Embossed stamp / Certificate of authenticity
Edition of 12 (Artist Proofs available) includes 50mm borders.
This collaboration with Ansett is a representation of the complicated relationship of self harm to mental health issues. Dramatic and shocking imagery can detract from the reality of the emotional torment that inspired the action and similarly the irony of self harm is that it can help to manage the feelings that lead to suicidal ideation.
Ansett says "Being invited to explore the most intimate aspects of Sierra’s life and mental health is humbling and of great value to me in my own journey of self- acceptance. It might be hard for her to imagine the levels to which I feel she surpasses me and inspires me even as we face the extreme consequences of her inability to manage the most difficult aspects of her mental health issues."
The photographer and subject relationship is of therapeutic value to both. Ansett's presence allows a subject to feel seen and empathised with, without judgement. The ambivalence of this juxtaposition is a metaphor for the complex relationship Sierra has to self harm as both something terrible and the action that saves her life in that moment.
"I have PTSD and Borderline Personality Disorder, which I struggle to manage. It can often leave me suicidal. For many years, I have resorted to self harm, which I feel is deeply misunderstood as a way of managing the extreme emotions that can lead to overwhelming suicidal urges. Self-harm can offer me brief respite from utter despair." - Sierra