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.
Mission
Mission Statement:
Broken Light Collective’s mission is to enhance the lives of people living with or affected by mental illness through the use of therapeutic photography; to provide opportunities to share photographic work in supportive environments both online and through live exhibition; and to raise awareness and fight stigma through art, education, advocacy, and outreach.
Welcome to Broken Light Collective’s online photography gallery. We strive to create safe and accepting environments where photographers, artists, and writers of all levels who are affected by mental health challenges can display their work, as well as inspire one another to keep going and keep creating, despite the dark or scary places in which they may find themselves.
As a part of this community, you will see, and show others, that you are not alone, no matter how you feel. If you have a mental health challenge yourself, or have friends or family who do, then you qualify to be a contributor. You may also contribute if you are someone who helps other people who may be struggling, such as a volunteer, humanitarian, or mental health professional. See the submissions tab for details.
“Broken Light Collective was created in March of 2012 when I was going through a severe depressive episode. I had a one-year-old child and was no long able to maintain a full time job as a photo editor in NYC. With support and encouragement I found that when I began photographing again it was a powerful tool, both personally and therapeutically. It helped bring light to certain mood states and areas of my life that I could not articulate with words. It helped me get out of bed and begin to engage with the world again. I started the Collective because I wanted to encourage other people who might be going through difficult times (or their family and friends since it affects everyone), to keep creating, sharing, and supporting each other. Broken Light has been fighting stigma, growing, and spreading the Light ever since.”
Danielle Hark
Founder and Executive Director
Danielle is a freelance magazine and book photo editor, professional photographer, and mental health/wellness writer near NYC. Her work has been featured in numerous publications, including Huffington Post, Dr. Oz’s YouBeauty, Psychology Today, Beliefnet, as well as various books. Danielle is also a Certified Professional Life Coach. As someone who has been affected by mental health challenges, both herself and with loved ones, she has made it her mission to empower as many other people who are struggling as possible, especially through the use of photography and creativity.
Danielle is supported in running Broken Light by several wonderful volunteers as well as mental health professional advisors.
The Future
In addition to our digital gallery, Broken Light Collective has created live gallery exhibits, pop-up charity events, and speaking engagements on therapeutic photography. We wish to expand in these directions and more, including publishing a book, school and local workshops and BLC chapters, and ultimately having a gallery space of our own, dedicated exclusively to displaying and selling works by artists who struggle with mental illness, as well as helping them to learn and grow by offering free photography classes and workshops.
Please contact us at brokenlightcollective@gmail.com with inquiries about speaking engagements, exhibits, and any other questions.
Broken Light Collective 