STILL in MOTION

ONLINE PRESENTATION

Still in Motion Home  //  Leslie Elsasser - Introduction  //  Selina Roman - Mind Currents  //  Christian Cortes

PHOTOGRAPHY
Roxi Cato - US Army  //  Wildalys Class - US Air Force  //  Agustin Collazo Jr. - US Navy and Marine Corps  //  Michael Congdon - US Army  //  Giovanna Delacruz - US Air Force  //  Amanda Dodd - US Army  //  Dawn S. Hargrett - US Navy  //  Evan Fountain - US Air Force  //  Mark Freeman - US Army  //  Robert Kidney - US Coast Guard  //  Mikko Maki - US Marine Corps  //  Alicia Morales - US Army  //  RaeAnne Swanson - US Air Force

VIDEO
James Alexander - US Air Force  //  Wildalys Class - US Air Force  //  Dwight English - US Army  //  Loretta Fields - US Army  //  Mikko Maki - US Marine Corps  //  Matias - US Marine Corps

 

ROBERT KIDNEY - US COAST GUARD

22 A Day

Twenty-two veterans end their lives every day to escape the pain they suffer from their service to our nation. The famous take their messaging to social media regarding their beliefs on societal issues. Yet, there is little to no coverage afforded the loss of our veterans or their families. These were our youngest and brightest who placed service to their nation and others before self. They swore an oath and committed their lives to support and defend our constitution, the foundation upon which a free America sits. We must all recognize this suffering and do our part to help those who now bear the burden for freedom, our safety and security.

There are 22 candles representing the 22 veterans we lose each day in America due to mental health struggles. The place setting represents the loss or missing in action or imprisoned service members. The lemon represents the bitterness of their family’s loss. The salt on the plate represents the tears of their families and the pain they endure. The flag represents their calling to service of country. The white tablecloth signifies their innocence. The serenity of the setting represents the serenity they have provided us through the selfless service. The coin on the right represents all US armed forces. The coin on the left is a Coast Guard challenge coin representing the often forgotten US armed service. I tried to focus on a single candle in the image representing the loss of a particular service member.

Photography is an artistic medium I choose because it allows me to capture moments, scenes of beauty and emotion. Deep in our hearts there is a longing for purpose and a feeling of connectiveness. Life can be busy and exhaustive, and it makes it difficult for one to discern our true purpose. We forget the natural wonders that surround us. We travel in masses in a hurried state, and we never truly slow down and allow our spirits to rest. If we would just stop, we would see the amazing creative wonders that fill our world.

This past year we have seen an abnormal separation from those we love. There are many who live lonely lives who fill their day with busyness. When one stops, there is almost a fear that we would have to answer that difficult question. Am I living a life of purpose, a worthwhile life?

When I am in nature my spirit settles and I come to realize the beauty that surrounds me. I am appreciative of the gifts in my life and the world I live in. When I choose a subject, it is in the hope that the captured image may help one lose their selves and find respite. Maybe, just maybe, they may realize they are part of a loving and beautiful world.

ROBERT KIDNEY
US COAST GUARD

 

 

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For more information:
Email Leslie Elsasser at lelsasse@usf.edu

Breaking Barriers is a project by USFCAM in collaboration with the USF School of Art and Art History, with Support from the USF Office of Veterans Success, Community Arts Impact Grant Program of the Arts Council of Hillsborough County, Love IV Lawrence 2020 Waves of Change Grant, and additional support from the ACE Arts for Community Engagement Fund and the Florida Department of State.