Veiled Struggles: Finding Light in the Shadows
Veiled Struggles by Dries Bentein
In this blog post, I want to share a particularly challenging period of my life. Recently, I've found it increasingly difficult to tap into my creativity, primarily due to overwhelming work pressures. I'm on a journey to rediscover myself, but it's incredibly hard. I feel empty, exhausted, and in desperate need of renewal.
The photo accompanying this post is a black-and-white portrait of a girl, sitting dejectedly on the beach. She is huddled up, looking defeated, with her forehead resting on her arms and her head bowed. The girl is unrecognizable, reflecting the tendency to hide struggles from the outside world. This image captures the state, where the weight of the burdens remains unseen, yet profoundly felt.
The many dark tones in the photo represent this dark and difficult moment. The model's hunched-over posture conveys a sense of defeat and abandonment by society. It's challenging to find the right balance between work and personal life, and that's where I'm struggling the most right now.
On a positive note, I've taken a small period for myself to try and recharge. This photo, though it appears negative, tells a positive story. It shows that I haven't lost my creativity. It shows that all I need is some time away. An ordinary Tuesday at the beach (on vacation) was enough to help me find a spark of creativity again. This experience is energizing, helping me to come out of my shell.
We chose a gloomy, rainy day at the beach. The water was cold, and the weather was fickle. This setting was deliberately chosen to add more drama to the story and the photo. Both the journey and the creation of this image were difficult, but worth it.
While this photo portrays a dark moment, it is a testament to my resilience and creativity. It symbolizes that even in the bleakest times, there is a spark of light, a glimmer of hope that creativity can reignite.
