Tic

This is a self portrait series documenting my Tourette's utilizing long exposure film photography. The feeling of a tic can be compared to a sneeze: a rush of energy that needs to be released and if suppressed, becomes extremely uncomfortable and distracting. I have the ability to let go of this energy but once I do, I have a vague idea of what will happen. This is why I chose to document it using long exposure photography. Once the shutter is released, you really can't be 100% certain what will happen. The more abstract shots are intentionally juxtaposed with the close up blurred shots of my face, a hint to the psychological battle I deal with every day and the lack of understanding most people have regarding Tourette's. Tourette's is diagnosed as a neurological disorder when someone displays both motor and vocal tics and can range from very mild eye-blinks, snaps, claps, to involuntary animal noises or blurting of obscenities (the form called Coprolalia- what most people think of when they hear "Tourette's"). Mine manifests through biting, snapping, barking, high pitched squeals, kicking, jumping, blinking and accidentally hitting people, breaking things, or hurting myself. But don't get me wrong, I can go hours without having a tic if I am focused or doing something that could risk my life (for example, driving, holding a baby, using a knife).

More photos by sharynbachleda