In My Dreams I Am A Queen

• Prize
  Bronze in Fine Art/Special Effects
• Photographer
  Michelle Robinson

In 2006 I was diagnosed with severe and prolonged Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I utilise art photography as a form of therapy to express the struggles that I have had in my journey of healing. This series of self portraits depicts my alter ego. When repressed memories surface, often times the pain, the depression and the anxiety can be overwhelming. As a coping mechanism, I often escape visually and mentally to a dream place where I am empowered and there is no pain in existence. In this fantasy land, I dream as I should have as a young child: of being a princess or a fairy ... dreams that I never had as I often had frightening nightmares. Being able to go to a place where I am empowered by inner strength has helped me on my journey to transition from having a frightened inner-child to an adult with inner-strength, from victim to survivor.