Visual Diary

The central theme of my visual diary is water. Although the pictures highlight a noticeable trend, they extend beyond water, suggesting how the most superficial elements in life can form deeper meanings. This has been performed in my visual diary and in many photographs on digital platforms such as Instagram to convey messages and connect with others. 
    During the COVID-19 pandemic, professional photographers used platforms like Instagram to share their work in hopes of overcoming challenging and uncertain times (Libbey & Farago, 2020). For example, American photographer Catherine Opie, described their newfound enjoyment of using Instagram to connect with others while posting authentic content to convey their thoughts. Photographs hold memories, and like the article, I have my own, which have been secretly captured through the following images.
Water continues to flow like life, no matter how challenging the circumstances. Additionally, water has been something I have reverted to during many difficult times. The picture of the koi fish extends beyond its simple form since it was taken during a walk when I found out the last member, aside from my mom and dad, passed away. I lost all my family at an extremely young age and was forced to grow up faster than many people around me. Throughout it all, the calmness of the water made me feel at ease. 
Moreover, the U of T pool picture describes both triumph and sorrow. That exact pool is where I quit the sport in grade 10 and qualified for the Olympic Trials. In High School, I was hospitalized and almost ended my life due to a deadly eating disorder. I was pulled out of the sport and was advised never to exercise competitively in case the negative thoughts re-occur. Against all odds, I worked hard to prove everyone wrong. I can now celebrate my success by walking over to that pool every day after having exciting (and stressful) days at school. 
I am proud that water can be a part of my everyday life. Even if water is associated with life challenges, it continues to flow and always has an answer, even though it might not be reflected in the moment. 
Works Cited
Libbey, P., & Farago, J. (2020, April 2). The World’s great photographers, many stuck inside, have snapped. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/02/arts/design/instagram-photographers-coronavirus.html