Thomas Oscar Miles
If you could see my darkness
Recently, I heard a couple of people close to me ask why I was so dark? And if I was ok because my work reflected a sad-er existence, as opposed to my naturally brighter personality. This got me wondering about why exactly I do choose to create darker works, and if that reflects a part of myself.
-
I have always found photography is my sweet escape from only seeing the world in bright, happy colours. I feel the freedom to play with darker concepts, some of which are a deeper part of me, some being expressions of a fictional ideology. ๐
-
So if I were to be asked why I create such dark imagery again, I would feel more confident in answering, I would say:
1) Because there is beauty in darkness, truly.
2) Everybody has a sense of sadness that forms itself as a darkness, we can all feel connected in that.
3) Life isn't always bright, and it's important to openly talk about our sadness.
4) Because I can explore concepts that mean something to me (and hopefully others!)
5) I have a voice, one that is responsible for helping people. I hope my art can heal in some way.
-
How is darkness a part of your life? Is it something you embrace, nestle comfortably inside or choose to ignore? However you choose to see your darkness, know that you're not alone in that, and your choices are yours to make.
-
'if you could see my darkness.' Self Portrait, July 2020.
If you could see my darkness
Recently, I heard a couple of people close to me ask why I was so dark? And if I was ok because my work reflected a sad-er existence, as opposed to my naturally brighter personality. This got me wondering about why exactly I do choose to create darker works, and if that reflects a part of myself.
-
I have always found photography is my sweet escape from only seeing the world in bright, happy colours. I feel the freedom to play with darker concepts, some of which are a deeper part of me, some being expressions of a fictional ideology. ๐
-
So if I were to be asked why I create such dark imagery again, I would feel more confident in answering, I would say:
1) Because there is beauty in darkness, truly.
2) Everybody has a sense of sadness that forms itself as a darkness, we can all feel connected in that.
3) Life isn't always bright, and it's important to openly talk about our sadness.
4) Because I can explore concepts that mean something to me (and hopefully others!)
5) I have a voice, one that is responsible for helping people. I hope my art can heal in some way.
-
How is darkness a part of your life? Is it something you embrace, nestle comfortably inside or choose to ignore? However you choose to see your darkness, know that you're not alone in that, and your choices are yours to make.
-
'if you could see my darkness.' Self Portrait, July 2020.