four givens

an ongoing photography project based on Dr. Irvin Yalom’s statement that every individual will eventually experience meaningless, death, isolation, and freedom during their own lifetime. this project uses this abstract idea as its inspiration to share a narrative over a series of artist books that display how individuals are confronting and managing each given experience during their daily lives. it is argued that isolation is the source of anxiety. as we grow, many of us face the tension of becoming an individual: discovery of separation from the norm. this creates a space for doubt and the inability to understand that continuation with the norm can lead to a loss of self. each image provides individuals a ground for self-reflection, a moment to cultivate discussion on stressful topics, and encouragement to seek improvement.