Scars
“My scars remind me that I did indeed survive my deepest wounds. That in itself is an accomplishment. And they bring to mind something else, too. They remind me that the damage life has inflicted on me has, in many places, left me stronger and more resilient. What hurt me in the past has actually made me better equipped to face the present.” ― Steve Goodier
In this photographic series, Scars, I use my body to communicate the idea of embracing oneself by examining imperfections and vulnerabilities in order to perceive them as life lessons and evidence of survival. Utilizing skills in lighting and studio photography I provide a clinical touch. I use a medium format camera to capture remarkable detail of my scars. Taking a closer look at the texture of my skin and the scars on various parts of my body in order to present the viewers with alternative perspectives is also an experiment to communicate the message of self-love and worthiness.
Scars is originally displayed as a 44” × 44” large-format photographic series.
A scar is a mark left on our skin after an injury. It might be flat, colored, sunken, or lumpy. It might be itchy or uncomfortable.
I remember people staring at my knee with wide-open eyes, and some even had their jaws open. They were staring at the weird, huge scar on my right knee, which hilariously someone thought was a tattoo. I got this scar when I was in college. I spent two weeks with my huge burning knee and swollen leg in the hospital and missed my midterm exam. It was a jellyfish that gave me this excruciating mark, which had hampered my dream of becoming a flight attendant. I’ve seen many people who were suffering and felt self-conscious about their scars. I’ve read numerous articles and comments on the internet about scars affecting people’s lives and how they dress. To conceal the scars, they would choose clothing that would cover them up.
Although my jellyfish scar does not cause me to feel ashamed in the same way others do, I understand them. The scar affected my self-confidence on certain occasions, such as a flight attendant job interview. Visible scars affect me but so do the invisible scars leftover from traumatic emotional experiences. The invisible scars may not leave marks on our skin but they may do us more harm than visible scars The invisible scars may result from an emotional wound or a trauma that does not heal completely and may never heal.
I have realized that I shouldn’t be ashamed of my scar and that I should be confident in my abilities. Scars do not determine our values; rather, they reflect our life experiences. It may sound easy to say, but difficult to do. In fact, it is possible and achievable. Instead of concealing and shaming our scars, I would like to encourage people to embrace their scars and see them as another type of memory, and as life experiences that mold us into the persons, we are today. Be kind to ourselves and learn to live with them.
A scar is a survivor’s mark that symbolizes our fortitude. It evokes images of suffering and pain and the desire to live. They will always be a part of our history.
Handmade Book Prototype
