Shadow Self
My shadow gains recognition through these self-portraits. I acknowledge that there is part of me that can be irrational, ignorant, and have high anxieties. From the Jungian perspective, the shadow is the unwanted and unknown parts of our consciousness that we must integrate into ourselves. Carl Jung states that “acknowledgement of the shadow must be a continuous process through one’s life.” There is an ongoing effort of incorporating the various parts of myself and remembering I am whole. I often forget that it’s okay to have difficulties, make mistakes, and be angry. I find it important to find compassion and acceptance for all parts of me, even the parts that I would rather not acknowledge.
Within these photographs there is a contrast of dark portions surrounded by natural beauty and vibrant colors, which represents my journey to individuation; accepting the good and the bad, the light and the dark.
Canon 5D Mark III & Canon R6 / 2017-2023 Utah, Oregon, Norway, and Ireland
