Monto Photographic Artist ~ Carly Burnham

A Mental Picture

In conjunction with Mental Health Week,

Carly Burnham presents a photographic exhibition in
black & white and all shades of grey...sharing the
spirit of those touched by mental illness

Friday, October 10
6pm
‘Kristine’s Coffee Shop’
Kariboe Street
Biloela

*Canapés served during the evening and
A complimentary drink for each guest on arrival.

BYO alcoholic beverages.
Cost: $15 per person*
Dress: Cocktail
RSVP: October 6
bonniedoone6@bigpond.com/4167 8902

Sponsored by CQ Rural Division of General Practice Queensland RADF
All profits donated to the Schizophrenia Research Institute

A Mental Picture http://www.abc.net.au/rural/content/2008/s2368224.htm
By Robin McConchie from Bundaberg Central , QLD

Thursday, 18/09/2008

"A Mental Picture" is the title of a collection of works by photographer Carly Burnham.
I met Carly at the Blueprint for the Bush, Rural Women's Forum, held in Roma recently.

The theme of the forum was " Liveability - A woman's perspective", and from Carly's perspective, she wants to make the bush a more liveable place for people with mental illness.
Carly lives in Monto on a cattle property. She has lived closely with schizophrenia and is inspired by the resilience of so many people affected by mental illness.

Through her photography, Carly wants to de-stigmatize and re-brand mental illness.
I found her photos profoundly touching. Every photo has a story.

The black and white medium is extremely evocative. Twenty shades of grey, from white to pure black, make you really think about the subject matter, the mood and the story. The composition of the portraits is superb, and the energy and the hope of the children seem to imply freedom even in a dark world.

Carly's subjects are affected by a range of mental disorders: schizophrenia, 1 in 100 suffer from delusions, hallucinations and paranoia associated with this condition. But Carly says with medication, people can lead a normal life following episodes.

Other disorders include bipolar, general anxiety disorder, post-natal depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and depression. Carly says with support, understanding and treatment, mental illness can be managed.