Please welcome first-time contributor Matthew, a 34-year-old from Australia, currently based in Singapore, who for a number of years has fought a battle with substance and alcohol abuse. Photography has played a large part in his recovery. It forces him to live in the moment, to focus on those subtle but special moments where scenes play out that reflect his past and present.
About this photo: “I traveled a lot for work. I used to love the freedom of not having anyone watching over me whilst I was in exotic places such as London, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Mumbai. Of course to an addict this is free reign, to lock oneself away and consume. Hong Kong was always one of my favourite places to do this. In recovery I have used photography as a means to fill the darkness that consumed me and when in these cities to venture out and explore. This image to me captures that transition of recovery, escaping the monotony and darkness and re-entering the world as a productive and healthy member of society. I love the umbrella, it says to me that it still rains while in recovery, not everything will be perfect, but the tools are with me to walk through the rain.”
Find more from Matthew at his website.
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