Strength in Disorder

Eating disorders are psychiatric conditions that are characterized by extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviours surrounding weight and food. These disorders are incredibly serious, potentially life-threatening conditions that affect day-to-day life a great deal.

The portraits in this book are images of women who have suffered from, and recovered from eating disorders. Each image is paired with selections from interviews I conducted with each woman; they do not necessarily match up with the image on the right. This project explores the juxtaposition between true beauty – that is, inner strength, intelligence, vitality and confidence – and indescribable suffering. These striking images, found alongside words that are often troubling and always moving, create a complete portrait of the strength of the human in the face of incredible mental and emotional distress.