Brontë Procell

Brontë Procell was born and raised in the desert southwest. She is currently working towards her BFA in Studio Art at NMSU. While she focuses her time in photography, she enjoys exploring other mediums and crafts, such as metals, sewing and drawing. She also enjoys music, writing and spending time with her dog.

Happy Pills

Through many different styles, I have photographed my experience taking medication. Not a lot of people who don’t take medication are aware of the toll taking medication has on a person. I certainly had no idea what I was getting into when I began taking medication. I experience a lot of side effects, such as fatigue, forgetfulness, tremors, stomach aches and headaches. I also experience a lot of mental struggles surrounding my dependence on medication. It is difficult for me to accept that I need so many chemicals in my body to function only slightly better.

I use a number of different methods to convey my emotions and side effects in my photographs. Some images have a warm, personal tone that give insight into my thoughts and feelings. Others have a more clinical feel, with cooler colors and a more sterile background and subject matter. These images deal with the more scientific aspect of the medication, while maintaining personal elements.

Not only a therapeutic process, this series gave me the opportunity to examine the effects I experience daily yet rarely take the time to identify. I have taken medication for seven years, thus it has become second nature. Because it has become my normal, I have failed to identify the consequences of these supposed “cures” until I took the time to analyze and segregate the different aspects of my medicated journey.

To view more of Brontë Procell’s work please visit their website.