The STAY exhibit is a series of fine art photographic portraits and contributed writings. It will take the viewer through causes of childhood depression, it manifestations and a journey to healing. It is a travelogue into, and back out of, the darkness felt by many who are struggling. It is not a summary of statistics or resources, it is meant to address the emotional toll of depression.
The message we are attempting to convey is that depression needs to be recognized as an illness and that there are others who understand how difficult life can be while coping with it. 
The story does not have a “happily ever after” ending; it ends with an acceptance of life as it is, and a hope for better days ahead. 
 
Contributions for the written word are welcome. Please message us if you would like to participate. stayexhibit(at)gmail.

The Style

For those of you who have a technical interest in photography and our project, it will be shot on medium format Tri-x black and white film. The prints will be traditional darkroom, silver gelatin prints. I used a couple different cameras and processes before I made this decision. This combination of film and camera gave the tonal range and grain structure I envisioned going in to the project.

The completed body of work will be displayed in the Capitol Rotunda Gallery in Harrisburg, Pa. in the spring of 2014.

Project Beginnings

I am sharing project goals of a photographic collaboration that is beginning to take form. This image is of an empty "set" if you will, that will be used in a series of portraits that address issues the issues and causes of childhood depression, self-injury, and suicidal inclinations.
Our message will communicate that healing is possible and these topics need to be discussed openly to help with that process.
We hope you will follow our progress and support our Kickstarter campaign that will begin shortly.

As we have moved forward with this project we have met so many people who's lives have been touched by these topics that the project has gained importance and new meaning to me.

Our Mission Statement best describes our goals.

MISSION STATEMENT

Through our art, we attempt to depict the causes and consequences of childhood and adolescent depression, self-injury, suicidal inclinations and the social stigma associated with them.

We are addressing topics that the world has not learned to talk about or embrace. Just the words abuse, depression and suicide hold such stigma that many remain silent. Our hope is this project will help foster an open dialog in these areas that have become too easy to brush aside.

Our goal is to show those who may be dealing with these emotions and struggles, that they are not alone. To show that others are aware of, and understand the patterns and thoughts they are experiencing. That healing is possible. We want to tell people who may be on the journey to healing that we all carry our own box of secrets. You are not alone.

Through public displays of this project, we hope to encourage others to identify and share their feelings as well as encouragement to seek help from friends, family, and professionals and to help remove the feeling of isolation, self doubt, and pain they may feel.

With art and voice, we know we can help at least one person see that life is worth fighting for. We want to share with every person struggling with their past and present that everyone’s life is a series of peaks and valleys. No one gets to stay at the top and no one needs to be left at the bottom. That no matter how dark the night may be, the sun will always rise on a new day, we just have to remember to breathe.

Ralph Wilson