Growing up, I wasn't that close with my Uncle Jimmy. His mental illness made me rather comfortable because either I saw him on a bad day that resulted in disruptive behaviour, or a day he was so eager to connect with others but did not get the return on investment he had hoped for. Like a vast majority of people, I would humour him as necessary but keep him at a distance.
But in 2012, what started off as a simple portrait became a chance to build a bridge over the waters of estrangement. I began to spend time with Jimmy on a regular basis now, totally curious about him. I was older and more compassionate than when I was 15, so I documented his day-to-day life as a person with Schizophrenia in hopes I could understand his illness better. I learned what he enjoyed (music, art, the Bible), what he made him feel impatience (not being heard) and how he just wanted to live as simply as possible. In these moments, he taught me that he really isn't that different from the rest of us.
As well, I also wanted to break down stigmas by using these photos as a tool of advocacy, which is why these pictures are so important to me. In an effort to show people this really sweet, insightful, and funny person, it was integral to capture him candidly. Very few pictures were staged for posing, but he really enjoyed the attention being on him because I think it made him feel seen. For a guy who always felt left out and for a girl that always felt the same, we aligned.
Jimmy and I naturally developed a bond that we have both spoken fondly of, and I am incredibly grateful to have documented his life, and our relationship. I never expected a quick picture in front of a brightly lit window to have developed into this. My heart no doubt broke when I moved across the country to restart my own life and will continue to when he leaves his earth-bound one behind. I am constantly aware of the pain yet to come.
