Exploring Tourette Syndrome with Analog Photography

My work represents the emotional aspects of living with Tourette syndrome. My tics include facial grimacing, blinking, tensing of the throat, hands, upper body and more. My tics occur all day, every day and disrupt activities such as reading, driving, eating, and talking. It is sometimes difficult for others to comprehend how detrimental it is to my mental and physical health. The lack of understanding by others has affected the way I see and feel about myself. I use analog photography, specifically a Diana camera, made of plastic with limited controls, to capture these feelings. I squint and blink my eyes repeatedly; it feels as if I spend most of my life with my eyes closed. Capturing these moments with a plastic camera is not perfect the same way my body and mind does not behave perfectly. My research communicates to audiences that while the physical experiences of those of us with Tourette’s are unique, the emotions of shame, loneliness and misunderstanding are universal.