This is my photo final project I look forward to hearing your criticism.

"A SACRED AUSTERITY"

By: Bradley Allen

Artist Statement:

The austerity of illness can be remedied best by another. . When both the sadness and helplessness have taken control-What can one do when they are forced to handle the problems of illness alone?

How does one reach for help when communication to another human isn’t an option?

Do they pray? Hope? Do they rely on faith alone?

When the most painful images are also the most sacred how can we find relief going through the motions alone? In all those trying and desperate moments there is something of the sacred. The idea of man’s survival illustrated. These are the moments in time all people

in all places can understand. They are Notions that break down borders, languages, races, and religions.

The Sacred Austerity is that of humanity.

It is the first person struggle for existence.

A point in time when we alone must choose life.

'...Not Just a burn-a pain. Mind transfixed, head dizzy, colors contrasting, smells of sterility. As if your intestines had just given the longest speech of their life and can't swallow. A thirst a fluttering skin crawl. A pulse in panic and a heat in your eyes that others can feel at a glance. A deep soreness that makes you question what ocean you're in. Pressure. A complete boredom-as if you're on a bus for survival with motion sickness in a chair that isn't paddedand won't recline. Your body and mind are exhausted and your only comfort comes from a needle or a drip, whose cold burns awaken you. Your thoughts burn, your repetitive dreams become your endlessnightmares, and when all you want is a way out of the thing you're fighting for the most...'

-From my own 'Journal xii' Barcelona, Spain.