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.

Photography by first-time contributor Katie McLaughlin, a teenager from Connecticut. Katie was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder and anxiety when she was thirteen years old. She has since been hospitalized many times due to both manic and depressive episodes. Thanks to medication, therapy, family, and friends, she is finally starting to live life to the fullest.

About this photo: “This photograph was taken in my backyard at the end of fall. At the time I was coming out of a depression and thought it would be good to go outside to get some fresh air. As I was walking to my backyard I noticed a leaf and thought it was beautiful. So I went back inside and grabbed my camera. This picture represents a lot to me. The leaf may be falling apart but it’s still able to keep itself together. The light is able to peak through which brings me to one of my favorite quotes, “It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” Living with a mental illness makes it really hard to believe that everything will work out in the end, but I have learned that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, or in this case, a light coming through the leaf.

_____

**Visit Broken Light’s main gallery here ▸ Now a 501(c)3 non-profit! Please donate here.

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


10 responses to “Seeing The Light”

  1. Jaeda DeWalt Avatar

    The fragility and delicate nature of this triumphant leaf is so beautiful to behold. A stunning capture, Katie. “The leaf may be falling apart but it’s still able to keep itself together. The light is able to peak through…” <–beautifully expressed. Thank you for sharing your story. I am so happy you have found your healing path.

    Like

  2. luro97 Avatar

    Outstanding piece!

    Like

  3. Paula Jennings Avatar

    stunning photo. I suffer with major depression and anxiety.your analogy is so true!

    Like

  4. BookOfBokeh Avatar
    BookOfBokeh

    An incredible metaphor of a photo, beautifully crafted and executed! Well done.

    Like

  5. Holly Avatar

    Photography is an Awesome way to express yourself and you are Creative and see things different and can take a simple object and make it beautiful through the lens of a camera, your life experiences and the creativeness you have been given as a talent to maybe heal, grow and share with the world and that is a gift. All people deal with things different and I understand and pray that you Katie will overcome your battles, we all have them. photography is a great way to vent.

    Like

  6. Mayank Mishra Avatar

    That is an amazing perspective..!

    Like

  7. justjonell Avatar

    Perfect shot encapsulating your feelings and emotions. Very artistic and beautiful!

    Like

  8. 5820492045050 Avatar
    5820492045050

    amazing photo.

    Like

  9. Dreams and Zeros Avatar

    Brilliant alternative perspective!

    Like

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