Personal Reflection
Arts and the Military Afterlife "“ Work In Progress
A visual essay exploring how men and women leaving the military after the intensity of combat duty are using the arts as a life-changing means of coping with the challenges of re-integration into civilian life while fighting the hidden wounds of PTSD and other mental health issues.
The U.S. now has over 22 million military veterans, 2.4 million created since 9/11/01[1]. A study showed that 20% of Veterans from recent conflicts will suffer some form of mental health issue[2].
My work directly references some of the most significant challenges that society faces "“ the deadly increase in substance abuse, improved mental health care, and the importance of community engagement. I concentrate on how the arts are providing a viable adjunct to traditional therapies to mitigate these issues.
The sensitive nature of the subject matter requires considerable time to build a rapport with the individual being photographed, particularly those who feel let down by their government. The work presented contains images that were taken between July 2016 and February 2017 at various locations: Winchester MA, Erie PA, FDR Public Library Hyde Park, NY.
I am also working to secure funding to be able to compare the veterans arts programs in the US with those operating the UK, and possibly elsewhere in Europe (France and Germany).
[1]Source: US Dept. of Veteran Affairshttp://www.va.gov/vetdata/docs/Demographics/New_Vetpop_Model/VetPop2014Document.pdf
[2]American Psychological Association (no date) http://www.apa.org/about/gr/issues/military/critical-need.aspx
