Real Is Always Light
By Jill Coleman
16 Oct 2008
A simple photo essay about my ongoing recovery from alcoholism as I recently suffered a relapse and the consequences of how it affects my life. Photography is a life saver and even now as I battle with acute anxiety disorder at times like right now, my attempt at documenting it helps me understand. I am still apalled at the acceptance and tolerance of the abuse of alcohol. I never created anything worthwhile under the influence. Recovery can be difficult but it has opened my eyes and made my life worthwhile. I can actually see and feel reality and that is what you need to create, even if reality is harsh and unrelenting, it is life and I will not numb it out.
Real is always light.
21 responses
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rory cobbe gave props (16 Oct 2008):
can you put this in for publishing Jill?
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Jill Coleman said (16 Oct 2008):
Sure.
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Delmas Green said (16 Oct 2008):
you have my vote.
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Joven DelaCruz said (16 Oct 2008):
beautifully said. short and sweet.
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Deborah Downes gave props (16 Oct 2008):
So powerful. So real. So honest. Thank you. Love you and your work.
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Patricia Shanahan gave props (16 Oct 2008):
You are amazing ! GREAT story and beautiful photo's ! STAY strong & congratulations on your 6th Anniversary !I come from a strong history of alcholism and can relate to your struggle ! Watched too many family members go through it ! Take each day"one at a time"! You are more powerful than you know !
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catharine amato gave props (16 Oct 2008):
a must for publishing
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Jill Coleman said (16 Oct 2008):
Thanks so much folks, I am trying to be open about my recovery to try and take away the stigma attached and so people can know that it can be done and judgement is never going to help anyone, Yes, Patricia , addiction affects everyone who loves the alcoholic or addict too, that is also one of the strongest reasons I wanted to go into rehab 6 years ago, my wonderful parents and sisters suffered with me and now are proud and happy that I made the effort as I am..
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Tess Denis said (16 Oct 2008):
We are proud of you - your braveness, your honesty, as well as your way of expressing yourself through your photos.
You are so very talented. I do hope that JPG publishes your work. -
Jill Coleman said (16 Oct 2008):
Thank you girls.
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Cosmin gave props (17 Oct 2008):
I always said that art is about being honest. About yourself and the others. A very robust and beautifully crafted series. You have my vote.
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Paul Alexander Knox gave props (17 Oct 2008):
You have my vote too! congratulations on a beautiful piece of work.
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Jill Coleman said (21 Oct 2008):
Thanks so much Liza for those words..
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Karolus Naga gave props (10 Nov 2008):
cant say a wor d Jill ... thank ou for sharing this with us ...
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Delores Harshaw gave props (18 Nov 2008):
This is beautiful.
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Kate Wilhelm said (27 Nov 2008):
Great work. And congratulations on your sobriety. I've suffered from panic and anxiety and I'm now almost entirely anxiety-free (relatively anyways). I felt so hopeless when I was suffering. Just wanted to let you know it's possible to live without anxiety.
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dominic serrao gave props (28 Nov 2008):
interesting story...great photos, too!
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adniloj gave props (15 Dec 2008):
Such a powerful collection!
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Dan Kennedy said (10 Jun 2009):
Very rarely does anything on jpgmag truly move me. This is one of those instances.
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Brian Betteridge gave props (18 Sep 2009):
fascinating series...your use of black and white is really good and the images are well composed...the story is moving. perfect!
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Ebla Maleh gave props (17 Oct 2009):
great work
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