A Place of Return is a photographic series that explores memory, childhood and how early experiences continue to shape who we become. Using constructed self-portraits, carefully selected props tied to personal nostalgia, and locations connected to different stages of my upbringing, alongside archival materials such as family photographs and letters from mental health professionals, I revisit moments from my life that still feel relevant today.
The work follows a cycle of three stages: Innocence, Disorder and Emergence. It begins with early childhood, shaped by comfort and routine, then moves into a period of disruption during pre-teen years, including school refusal and ongoing diagnostic processes that never led to clear answers. The final stage reflects growth, learning that not having a clear explanation does not define who I am, and that things can improve over time.
I created this project to offer something I didn’t have access to when I was younger. Much of the support available felt infantilising and difficult to relate to. Through this work, I want to speak honestly to others who may feel misunderstood, showing that these experiences are not permanent. A Place of Return suggests that we move through cycles in life, but with time, reflection and distance, it is possible to come back to yourself through memory, with greater understanding and hope.