Who we are & why we are

Welcome to the gallery site of Broken Light Collective. We are artists of all levels and abilities who are affected by mental illness. We create and we share our work for the therapeutic benefits to us, as well as others who may be struggling and feeling scared and alone. Together we can move from disconnected to collective.

Photo by contributor Tip Crawford, a 56-year-old from Northern West Virginia who was recently diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, Avoidant Personality Disorder and Generalized Anxiety. While her diagnoses are relatively new, Tip has been dealing with these challenges throughout her entire adult life, and they have been especially strong over the past 20 years. Tip is in therapy with an emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and takes an antidepressant. She also helps manage her mental illness by regularly exercises (weight lifting, cardio, toning and yoga), keeping a diary, taking pictures, reading, meditating, practicing deep breathing, listening to lectures, talking to a very few trusted people, and walking with her beloved dog, Samwise…. Though some days it is hard to do anything except walk with Samwise. Those times, she thinks of as ‘dark curtain days’.

About this photo: “This is a photo of ornamental Pampas Grass, taken in autumn. The title came to mind as soon as I had the image in the viewfinder. Silence can be harsh, lonely and unwanted. But it can also be soothing, comforting, tranquil and soft.”

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Click here to see how we’re expanding to help more people with mental illness!

**Visit Broken Light’s main gallery here. Currently accepting submissions.

*Facebook & Twitter @BrokenLighCo & @DanielleHark. Follow for e-mail notifications.


15 responses to “Soft Silence”

  1. Deborah Avatar
    Deborah

    What a wonderful portrait of the infinite within the finite.
    It’s endlessly inspiring.

    Like

    1. Tip Avatar
      Tip

      Thank you very much, Deborah.

      Like

  2. Britta Avatar

    I am in love with this photo, it really speak to me. I love the feel, the composition, the shapes, it’s beautiful.

    Like

    1. Tip Avatar
      Tip

      Hi Britta, I’m touched to know this photo speaks to you. Thank you.

      Like

  3. BookOfBokeh Avatar
    BookOfBokeh

    Wait a minute…OK, hold it, great picture!…now that that is out of the way, the dog’s name is Samwise?!?!? I am not sure if old John Ronald Reuel would be amused or affronted. 🙂 Just joking…it’s a great name fro a dog!

    And all joking aside, a great picture, delicate and serene.

    Like

    1. Tip Avatar
      Tip

      I think he would be amused. 🙂 Samwise Gamgee is my favorite Tolkien character and my Samwise certainly has lived up to his namesake.
      In regards to my picture, thank you.

      Like

      1. BookOfBokeh Avatar
        BookOfBokeh

        You’re welcome you deserved it. Give Samwise a part for me!

        Like

  4. Crooked Tracks Avatar
    Crooked Tracks

    I love the different textures in this photo!

    Like

    1. Tip Avatar
      Tip

      Thank you! 🙂

      Like

  5. bluebrightly Avatar

    Beautiful photo! And smart words, too. Keep doing what you’re doing – all of it.

    Like

    1. Tip Avatar
      Tip

      Thank you. Meds needed increased a few weeks ago and I am better for it.

      Like

    1. Tip Avatar
      Tip

      Thank you.

      Like

  6. spencersamalvin Avatar

    Thanks for sharing Tip . . . Sam

    Like

    1. Tip Avatar
      Tip

      Thank you, Spencer.

      Like

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