reflection

reflection
n.

1. The act of reflecting or the state of being reflected.
2. Something, such as light, radiant heat, sound, or an image, that is reflected.
3. a. Mental concentration; careful consideration.
    b. A thought or an opinion resulting from such consideration.
4. An indirect expression of censure or discredit: a reflection on his integrity.
5. A manifestation or result: Her achievements are a reflection of her courage.


An estimated 33 to 35 million U.S. adults are likely to experience depression at some point during their lifetime. Studies show that episodes of depression occur twice as frequently in women as in men.

With this piece I wanted to show the stages one goes through in depression, and to allow the viewer to participate and/or confront their own ideas or truths about depression and/or their own experience with it.

The piece is framed by a piece of wood that has a shelf. It is designed to feel like one is looking at themselves in a mirrored medicine cabinet.

From left to right, the first section is framed in black and a slighted clouded glass is in front of the image symbolizing the film or veil the seems to cover everything when one is depressed. The paint by number sections that make up the self-portrait within the black frame represents the scattered disconnected feeling one’s mind feels during depression. On the ledge is a pair of reflective sunglasses that represent the desire to be invisible as well as the effort one undertakes to deflect others. With reflective sunglasses, if one looks at you, they see themselves and you remain invisible.

The middle panel represents the breakthrough one feels when the internalized anger is expressed and released. The mirror represents one’s true self and the jagged glass and bloodied fingerprints symbolize the explosive feelings and pain one experiences during this time. In this panel the glasses have no glass. This is also symbolic of a shattering breakthrough and intense clarity.

The third and last panel is the medicated state. A certain amount of “rose colored glasses” is needed at this time. The medication for depression takes the edge off of life and softens everything. In this panel, the self-portrait paint-by-number sections are painted to form a cohesive and whole, if not quite real, picture.

All of the eyeglasses are meant to be tried on by the viewer to alter their viewing state and allow them to participate in the journey.

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