A photovoice study of co-production | Participant Narratives Page 1

Beaches: A Viewpoint of Viewpoints

Painted with flowers or little people, the chair we choose to sit in can seem immense....

There is time to contemplate in the silences between the waves of water makes us realize what is to come next.

A thought is like a pebble dropped into a pond, leaving the water less than still. 

Again, reminding us of what is next to come--a future ahead, the past behind us.

- Wendy

Journeys/New Beginnings

Change is a constant.

 I’ve had to start over many times in my life and navigate various transitions, which have in some ways, been impacted by my ongoing recovery. Having faced certain challenges has given me a certain perspective that I was fortunate to explore a bit through my participation in the photovoice study. 

The photos I took center some of the above themes and much more.

With every new season, I’ve had to adapt, grow, and evolve. Embarking on various pathways has also taught me how to let go of the old and embrace the new. With photos such as the tree in the process of losing its leaves, I chose to showcase the beauty I saw. One thing I noticed about this tree is that even in the face of loss, it does not lack. Often, I enjoy looking to such examples for ideas on how to balance the periods of change in my life and live on with dignity and hope. 

With photos such as the “Need to Talk” hotline sign and the interactive note-sharing exhibit, I have chosen to represent the power of community and connection. I believe messages of hope and encouragement backing one’s will to survive can be found even at the lowest points. Finally, the “Inhale/Exhale” series was meant to demonstrate the value of silence. To this day, I continue to make space for meditative practices such as reflecting, creative idea storming, deep breathing and yoga to learn how to remain centered as I face the turbulence of various uncertainties and challenges in my life. 

In the self-portrait, I look up, to signify my openness to change and the possibilities I remain hopeful for. 

- Alex

May the Moon guide us gently through
the fog so the Sun may illuminate the
strength in our branches.

- Corinne

We're In This Together

- Taryn

Nothing works when forced. Only when the conditions are right will a flower blossom from a seed. That seed receives so much support and love, the perfect amount of water, the perfect amount of light.

The process of finding peace takes time – just like how all flowers were once just a seed in mud. The peace we find within is often supported by those outside ourselves, just like the clouds provide rain and the sun provides warmth.

- Scott

This photo represents both my ambivalence about co-production and the importance of continuing to do it anyway, despite it being imperfect.

- Anonymous