When there is darkness, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel — if you are ready to see it.
That is the message from Chestnut employee and artist, whose artwork was selected to be highlighted in the 2024 Art of Recovery Project through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Office of Recovery.
"By promoting artistic avenues as viable tools for coping, self-discovery, and expression, this project aspires to break down societal stigma surrounding mental health conditions and substance use, fostering understanding and support for those on their journey to wellness," reads the project's website.
Chestnut Behavioral Outreach Specialist Jordan Reifschneider tapped into her own recovery experience to inspire a work of art. Her piece will be displayed in an online gallery throughout the month of September, which is National Recovery Month.
"The Other Side"
Reifschneider snapped a photograph of a man's silhouette standing under a bridge in front of a path framed by trees. The darkness surrounding the figure in the foreground contrasts with the brightness beyond the bridge. The figure glances back to the camera, carrying a backpack and walking stick, as if on a journey toward the light.
The figure is Tony, an Army veteran and Reifschneider’s best friend. Reifschneider recalls Tony experiencing withdrawal symptoms at her wedding. She told him he needed to get help. After some ups and downs, Tony has driven his addiction seven months into remission.
"He's turned his life around,” said Reifschneider, who said the harsh light of the day created the perfect conditions to shoot in silhouette and conform to the gallery rules of hiding any faces. “I love taking pictures of people's progress."
“In the picture, he is holding himself up with a stick. You always need support, and he’s holding himself up. Even when he’s struggling, he keeps on.”
Photography is one of the things that has held Reifschneider up through her own battles. She is known to take “end of life” photos for pet owners to remember their terminally ill companions. With this photograph, she intends to send a message of hope.
“Even when you are struggling, or if you keep falling into old habits, you can always come out of it. You have to find it in yourself. You have to want to see the light.”
Jordan Reifschneider