"This project started from a quote it reads, “Inner peace can be reached only when we practice forgiveness, Forgiveness. Forgiveness is letting go of the past, and is, therefore, the means for correcting our misperceptions.” This inspired Jayden to come up with a shoot that can showcase trials and errors in a person's mental.
Then he pitched the idea to Michella, who immediately thought of the “Yin and Yang” symbol, which represents balance, and why we have the contrast of white and black on both Michella and Jayden. The black paint and grayscale on Michella show the negative and confusing thoughts, while the white on Jayden explores the concepts of purity and peace. He has scars on his body, which the specific placements show visually, abuse, and damage to the heart. The depiction of a scar on Michella’s arm displays self-harm, which can show the battle within a person's mind between choosing life and wanting death, or wanting to feel something other than the internal pain they’re suffering from. Some of the solos, show the release of pain like when Jayden's at his end and screaming, but you’ll soon notice he’s at peace when his arms are rested on the back of his head. This relates to the quote when Jayden finds his inner peace from forgiveness of himself and his past. lastly, you’ll notice as Michella’s hand is wrapped around Jayden’s neck, showing abuse in relationships, despite me being “bigger” and “stronger” than she is. While each picture tells its own story it's best to look at these and leave them for your mind to process." - Michella Maynard
