Why Am I Sad - Hardcover

by Dana Stirling (Author), Dana Stirling (Photographer)

An exploration of the complex interplay between mental health and artistic expression.

In Why am I Sad? Dana Stirling embarks on an exploration of the complex interplay between mental health and artistic expression.

"Growing up I spent most of my time in my room, wherein loneliness pervaded both within and beyond its walls. Family failed to provide solace; instead, it became a source of stress, anxiety, and a prevailing sadness. Often unspoken in my family, my mother's battle with clinical depression cast a shadow that took years to fully comprehend."

Through navigating her own emotions, the project assumes a broader cultural significance, transcending personal narratives to engage with universal discourse on mental health. The visual diary created through photography becomes a testament to the transformative power of art, revealing layers of vulnerability, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of meaning. It underscores the importance of acknowledging mental health challenges within social contexts and highlights the role of artistic expression as a vehicle for healing and understanding.

Author Biography

Dana Stirling is a fine art photographer and the Co-Founder & Editor of Float Photo Magazine since its establishment in 2014. Originally from Jerusalem, Israel, she is currently based in Queens, New York. She earned her MFA in Photography, Video, and Related Media from The School Of Visual Arts in 2016, following her earlier BA in Photographic Communications from Hadassah College Jerusalem in 2013.

Dana Stirling's work has been prominently featured in group exhibitions in the United States and globally. Her photography has gained recognition in various publications.