FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New York City based photographer, Dese'Rae L. Stage, promotes suicide awareness through 'Live Through This' project
'Live Through This' is an intimate multimedia project peering into suicide attempt survivors and their journeys of recovery
New York City, NY – March 17, 2011 – Best known for her bold color and high contrast images of the New York music scene, self-taught photographer Dese'Rae L. Stage's images address music as emotional catharsis and, in many cases, isolate the artist as a singular and untouchable figure. Now, Dese'Rae aims to use her photographs as a platform to launch 'Live Through This'.
'Live Through This' (LTT) is a multimedia project about life on the "other side" of a suicide attempt. The body of work is set to consist of photojournalistic reportage and portrait-based still imagery, as well as recorded interview footage. Ultimately, the project will culminate in an exhibition piece and book.
LTT embodies five main goals:
· reduce stigma and break down stereotypes associated with suicide and who considers/attempts it by showing the viewer the faces of those who have lived through the experience and gone on to lead successful, fulfilling lives;
· increase awareness of suicide as a pervasive social issue that no one is immune to;
· promote suicide prevention education;
· encourage dialogue about suicide, especially if a loved one is potentially at-risk;
· reduce the fear and taboo of "suicide" as a dirty word.
Aligned with these objectives, Dese'Rae explains, "I think the world needs this, especially in light of the massive media coverage on suicide of late. Sadly, this is not a new trend. This is a pervasive social issue."
In support of LTT, survivors, friends, family members, you – are invited to visit the newly launched livethroughthis.org. This web site is the initial portal into 'Live Through This,' where visitors can become participants and supporters. The site will expand in coming weeks as Dese'Rae extends invitations to potential interviewees and screens initial "tell your story" submissions.
A 'Live Through This' Kickstarter campaign is slated to aide in funding this project. For a limited time, 'Live Through This' official t-shirts are available for only $19.99. Bookmark feed://livethroughthis.org/rss to receive timely updates about LTT.
For more information, please contact:
Lisa M. Lombardo, Visionary Concepts: Promotions and Management, lisa@visionary-concepts.net