Can You See Me?

A question we have all asked, when we have lost our way and we are trying to find out who we are.

As men and women one of the biggest longings is to be seen. To be seen for who we are.

To be seen is to feel less alone, to be appreciated and have our stories heard.

Sharing our stories, showing our vulnerability and honesty is to shed light on what makes us brave. To voice the troubles, fear and darkness we feel, is strength and a powerful gift, not just for ourselves but others.

Artwork by breekatehudson creative and design by Rebel Nation.

In 2019 I decided I wanted to create a project that dived into mental health and body image of the women and men living in Mackay. During this time, I lived a lifelong dream to be a mermaid. Since I was a little girl I was fascinated with mermaids. For me, the magic of the mermaid lies in its ability to be two different forms in the one body. Mermaids have this brooding and complex side that is not always understood. While they are also seen as a desirable, mystic creature of rebirth.

In the pages there are many role models of rebirth that have lived through adversity and suffered mental health illness.

Like the tide, I have lived with anxiety and depression, it comes and goes, but it was the seeing a loved one truly battle depression and how from the depths of despair they rose. This person was my muse for this project, I wanted people to share their stories on mental health, so they can be truly seen.

We are moving into a new era, where mental health and body image are starting to be treated with respect and dignity. We have a long way to go, to break down barriers and stereotypes that continue to lurk and force those suffering from mental health back into the shadows.

This book is the light our community needs, this resource features more than 100 people, on 31 Mackay beaches photographed by 10 Mackay photographers, which took more than a year to produce. It has been supported by Mackay Regional Council Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) printing company BB Print and Harrup Park Country Club.

JSP wants to thank each photographer, Fiona, Sarah, Cherrie, Marty, Deanne, Lauren, Sasha, Belinda, Amanda and Deb, who have supported JSP and volunteered their talent, time and hearts for this book. Each one has captured the essence of each person.

To y sister Bree from breekatehudsoncreative for her incredible digital illustration Neurogenesis, that she created especially for this book. To Jenna from Lush Beautique for her hair and make-up magic.

The stories and photos weaved in these pages are real, raw and are the beating heart of Seas the Day. I want to thank each, and every person involved in this project for their stories, passion and leading the way to help others in our community to seek help.

JSP’S for this book is to bring hope to those who are struggling, hurting and are feeling overwhelmed.

I hope after reading this you say “I see you” and together we can make a difference.

From left: Jody, Emily, Sarah, Renee and Carissa photographed by Deanne Woods Photography

Kirsten at McEwens beach photographed by Coffee + Hops Photography

Mandy photographed by Photos by Deb Gorton

Dean photographed at Grasstree Beach by Amanda Ward Photography

From left: Terri Lee, Raelene, Tara, Lisa and Chiara photographed at Shoal Point by Cherrie Hughes Social Media + Photography

Lauren photographed at Bucasia Beach by AHAVAH Images.

Anthony at Mackay Harbour photographed by Finding George Photography

Emma at Seaforth Beach photographed by Marty Strecker Photography .

Blake, Kyle and Jordan at Eimeo Beach photographer by Stormybeachbelle

Emily on Hamilton Island, photographed by SarahHearts Photography.