Seven years ago, Danielle Hark founded Broken Light Collective, a nonprofit organization that offers photographers affected by mental health challenges a space to share their work. Here, she talks about creating a venue to share both her own work and the work of other artists.

What is Broken Light Collective?
Danielle Hark: Broken Light Collective is a nonprofit organization that helps empower people affected by mental health and developmental challenges using photography. We strive to create safe and accepting environments, both online and through live exhibitions and workshops, where photographers of all levels affected by mental illness can display their work, as well as inspire one another to keep going and keep creating, despite any challenges they encounter. The types of photography we feature vary greatly, and include self-portrait, nature, abstract, and street photography. No matter the genre, through art we can observe and share in the darkness and light of living with mental illness.

What inspired you to create Broken Light Collective?
Danielle Hark: I was inspired to create Broken Light Collective when I was going through a severe, suicidal depression in 2012. I had a two-year-old daughter at the time, and was struggling to stay grounded. I had left my job in New York City as a photo editor to start my own photography business when my daughter was born, but functioning professionally became an overwhelming task. I was in and out of the hospital. My therapist at the time encouraged me to try taking photographs again recreationally to see if that could help. During one particularly bad panic attack, instead of calling for help right away, I pulled out my phone camera and started taking pictures. It helped calm me enough to breathe and get myself together. From that point on, I used photography as a therapeutic tool. I started the Broken Light Collective website both to share my work and give others a venue to share theirs, an opportunity to be inspired and feel connection instead of just isolation.

What sort of reaction have you seen to Broken Light Collective, from both the artists and the viewers?
Danielle Hark: There has been an amazing reaction to Broken Light Collective. Contributors and viewers come from over 150 countries. We have gotten letters from people around the world who have been touched and inspired by their experiences with Broken Light Collective.

 What are your plans for the future?
Danielle Hark: In the future, you can expect to see more live mental health gallery exhibits and events for Broken Light Collective contributors, as well as a return to our roots on the website. I look forward to doing more talks and workshops on Broken Light Collective and spreading the mental health benefits of photography. I did a TEDx talk in 2016, and have done a variety of programs at colleges, religious institutions, and national conferences. I am passionate about sharing the gift of creativity as a mindfulness tool.

How can artists engage with Broken Light Collective?
Danielle Hark: People can view and connect through the brokenlightcollective.com website, and on social media at facebook.com/brokenlightcollective and @brokenlightco on Instagram and Twitter. People of all ages and levels can reap the benefits, and submit photographs and blurbs, even phone-ographers. Submissions can be sent to [email protected].

I can also be contacted through www.daniellehark.com, facebook.com/danielleharkwriterartist, and on Instagram and Twitter @daniellehark.