PRAXIS

 

 

Nearly eight percent of Americans will develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to traumatic experiences. Veterans are over twice as likely to suffer from PTSD, but because of the stigmas associated with mental disorders, few are able or willing to get help.

 

Research, treatment, and awareness are improving the treatment of PTSD, but we still lack understanding and clear recognition of it. Societal perception has also improved, but those with mental disorders are historically stigmatized, especially military veterans who have been trained that weakness is life-threatening in the field.

 

There is a disconnection between a service member's military tour and their civilian life. With this work, I am striving to create awareness and support of the struggles our veterans face.

 

 

These prints are printed on cardboard and newsprint, materials that are easily discarded and often used in various ways in the homeless community. Most often we think of the homeless with cardboard signs, which is sometimes the only method of communication these people have with the outside world to ask for help.

 

The images in both of these works demonstrate the endless battle for returning veterans. They continue to deal with the effects of their service while their domestic surroundings and loved ones carry on as if it never happened. The result is avoidance of numerous physical and psychological issues.

 

Brett Meier

brettdmeier@gmail.com

brettdmeier.com