The overlaid narration, at once intimate and familiar, suggests personal lived experiences. Yet, the somewhat fleeting qualities of each video keep us guessing at their true meaning and stimulate our opening up to unfamiliar, hence, discomforting forms and meanings. Part community art project, part found footage film, part personal documentary, Five gives voice to five individuals (S.G., L.C., K. H., J. S. and T. P) each living with mental health issues. 

Through a process including collective workshops and one-on-one dialogue, I sought to provide each participant with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to produce their own personal narratives, without fear or shame.  The videos explore the overcoming of obstacles, both external and internal, and the discovery of hope in the face of adversity. Some express bewilderment and a sense of loss while others convey vigour and a sense of challenge.  

"West of Greensborough" is an exploration of inter-cultural relations with interpersonal ones.  The work asserted the right to opacity – the right to not be understood, and the possibility to “be” and “build” with people we do not understand.  The installation asserts the right to madness and marginality.

Password: theaves12

Screen 1, https://vimeo.com/350298337 

Screen 2, https://vimeo.com/359102968  

Screen 3, https://vimeo.com/359109548  

Screen 4, https://vimeo.com/359133173  

Screen 5, https://vimeo.com/359136321