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 taken by contributor Cla-c, a 45-year-old wife and mother of four who was diagnosed with Cyclothymia a year ago. She has battled severe depression, paranoia, and fearfulness throughout her life, and has always felt like an outcast. After she lost a much loved cousin to suicide, she knew she had to face her demons. Growing up in Africa in the 70’s and 80’s, going to a therapist was not part of the culture. Instead of dealing with her feelings and shame related to childhood trauma, she merely existed. She never felt like she had a voice, something that she struggles with even today. Her sensitivity has at times led her to isolate, which is especially challenging as a portrait photographer. She has come to both fear and love people at the same time. Today, she has a small but amazing support system. She dreams of having a cabin in the woods with the butterflies.

About this photo:

“Vintage:

I should have been born earlier,
much earlier 
some other time.
a Time when I mattered,
I often sit and dream about that time,
I can dream, can’t I?
 
Born to a different time a different place,
A place I would have mattered.”

_____

**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.


8 responses to “Vintage”

  1. rothpoetry Avatar

    A beautiful Poem and a wonderful portrait that captures the perfection of the soul!

    Like

    1. Cla-c Avatar
      Cla-c

      thank you rothpetry

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Thomas Slatin Avatar

    Wow! This photograph is a beautiful masterpiece! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Cla-c Avatar
      Cla-c

      Thank you Thomas

      Liked by 1 person

  3. autisticaplanet Avatar
    autisticaplanet

    Dramatic photo. I have felt the same way-born out of time. I have come to find out and trust that God had me born when I was for a reason. I trust Him to help me fully understand that reason, now and in eternity. I think all the negative stuff that pours out of man has always been and always will be, but we can’t turn to passivity. Keep clicking!

    Like

    1. Cla-c Avatar
      Cla-c

      thank you Dear autisticaplanet xx I agree.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. pamelarichardson8 Avatar

    What a stunningly lovely portrait, and an achingly beautiful poem. Thank you for sharing!

    Like

  5. Cla-c Avatar
    Cla-c

    thank you so much dear xx

    Like

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