Latest Project - Creating Self Confidence Through Abstract Images

My latest project is working with teens to capture the spirit of who they are through images that are personal to them and put together in an abstract way.

I feel that there is so much pressure on young people to be a certain way, look a certain way and act a certain way to be accepted. In this day and age diversity and differences should be embraced and enjoyed. Self expression can be difficult if you don't feel good enough or think people will laugh at you and make fun.

To me it is more important to express who you are rather than what you look like. This allows for an inner confidence, a self acceptance and a strength of character. Who wants to be judged on how they look all the time? That just leads to insecurity, self hatred and a sense of not being good enough.

The idea arose out of the Prom and the pressure put on young girls to dress up in clothes that are not comfortable to them and to wear makeup when that might not be their thing. Some girls thrive on it and love to dress up in such ways but for others it's a nightmare.

Also what message does that send to young girls about who they are and what they must do to be accepted? Do we want another generation of females growing up and dressing to please others and sexualising themselves to be accepted?

Young boys also have their own challenges so I am using a selection of both in this project to hopefully help them shake off the prejudices they face and the societal pressure of what being a man entails.

I will post images from the project once completed but in the meantime I'll use one of my sel portraits