Carly Burnham - Photographic Artist Exhibition

Congratulations Carly ~ Inspirational & Moving Photographic Showcase.
Artist & Friend Karen Gaskell, Myself & Carly Burnham enjoying the night together with other friends & family. The exhibition now goes to Brisbane to support Mental Health Week.

A Mental Picture
In conjunction with Mental Health Week,Carly Burnham presents a photographic exhibition in black & white and all shades of grey...sharing the spirit of those touched by mental illness, Friday, October 10, 2008

@ ‘Kristine’s Coffee Shop’Kariboe Street, Biloela

bonniedoone6@bigpond.com
Sponsored by CQ Rural Division of General Practice Queensland RADFAll profits donated to the Schizophrenia Research Institute

A Mental Picture
http://www.abc.net.au/rural/content/2008/s2368224.htm
By Robin McConchie from Bundaberg Central , QLDThursday, 18/09/2008

"A Mental Picture" is the title of a collection of works by photographer Carly Burnham.
I met Carly at the Blueprint for the Bush, Rural Women's Forum, held in Roma recently.The theme of the forum was " Liveability - A woman's perspective", and from Carly's perspective, she wants to make the bush a more liveable place for people with mental illness.Carly lives in Monto on a cattle property.
She has lived closely with schizophrenia and is inspired by the resilience of so many people affected by mental illness.Through her photography, Carly wants to de-stigmatize and re-brand mental illness.I found her photos profoundly touching. Every photo has a story.The black and white medium is extremely evocative.
Twenty shades of grey, from white to pure black, make you really think about the subject matter, the mood and the story. The composition of the portraits is superb, and the energy and the hope of the children seem to imply freedom even in a dark world.Carly's subjects are affected by a range of mental disorders: schizophrenia, 1 in 100 suffer from delusions, hallucinations and paranoia associated with this condition. But Carly says with medication, people can lead a normal life following episodes.Other disorders include bipolar, general anxiety disorder, post-natal depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and depression. Carly says with support, understanding and treatment, mental illness can be managed.