Sophie Grogan’s photographic practice concerns the connection that individuals suffering from a mental illness have with nature. Using photography as a form of art therapy, Sophie’s work revisits a sense of place to evoke memory and healing through visualising the landscape as a visceral experience for the body and soul. This aims to create feelings of nostalgia that each viewer can adapt to their own lives as a realisation of growth and healing. This body of work explores romanticism and sublime theory in order to document the emotions that are elicited while being present in a personal and emotional landscape. Sophie’s practice focuses on the importance of nature and it’s ability to form a narrative that coincides with the potential struggles of day to day life. 

 

"My work focuses on the therapeutic qualities that nature can offer and how the natural elements of the landscape can heal individuals suffering from a mental illness. Using photography as a form of art therapy, I revisit a sense of place to evoke memory and healing through visualising the landscape as a visceral experience for the body and soul. This aims to create feelings of nostalgia that each viewer can adapt to their own lives as a realisation of growth and healing. This body of work explores romanticism and sublime theory in order to document the emotions that are elicited while being present in a personal and emotional landscape.

 

Being able to visualise nature the way I see myself is the major theme of the whole project. How a tree can look vulnerable using moody tones and framing, similar to how an individual can feel convinced they are vulnerable and damaged. The links that I make and the connections I have established between mind and body shows experimentation, development, adaptation and resilience. For not only does the tree appear vulnerable, it also stands strong and tall during it’s otherwise bare season. I want the viewer, not just myself, to feel invited into embracing one’s true self. “Bear with me”, “be patient with me”, “all will be revealed, in time” are just a few descriptions I have had from clients or companies of interest. Each project I have created and completed have been developments from the previous project, each time bringing new research and ideas to my practice.

 

Fascinated by the healing powers of nature and the romantic elements that the landscape can offer, I continue to admire and photograph places that elicit an emotional response to the viewer, allowing one to feel all of the emotions in the images and adapt that to real life scenarios or events that require us to be in touch with our strongest feelings. Seeing this as a positive reaction is a vital part of my work, beginning many discussions on the topic of mental health as well as the importance of using art as a form of therapy and socially engaged photography".

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