Grantee: Grace June

Artist, Grace June, draws inspiration for her work, “Survive,” from personal experience. June says, “My motivation is to do for others what my self-portraits have done for me as a cathartic outlet. I have struggled since I was a child with the idea of ending my life.  As a person with bipolar, art has helped me tremendously, and I have had amazing feedback from the people I’ve photographed that my photographs of them have had profound positive impact on them as well.”

June’s “Survive” photographic series and book are being created to acknowledge the experience of people in our community and surrounding areas most impacted by suicide, either as survivors after a death by suicide or survivors of a suicide attempt. Along with each image, June shares the story of the individuals pictured.

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and is perhaps one of the least talked about. Four of the most highly affected states are here in the Northwest.  Through her photography, June wants to raise public awareness in a way that provides healing for survivors and hope for those who are struggling with this invisible epidemic.

WITH SAGA SUPPORT…

An exhibition of the images printed on metal, will travel to schools, libraries and community art spaces in the Spokane area. The collected images and stories presented in book form will be donated to community health agencies and counseling centers as well as middle schools and high school counseling offices and libraries.

June says, “When seen all together in a book or on the wall, there will be a physical depiction that the people shown in the images are not alone in their experience.”