Voices of Veterans Project

A short video introducing the Voices of Veterans Project.
#voicesofveterans aims to provoke action through collaborative storytelling.
A veteran who feels alone is a veteran at risk of suicide; building communities of support and valued roles for our veterans is at the heart of the VOICES Project which this video provides a behind the scenes look into. The VOICES Project encapsulates three components; a photographic exhibition that explores the mental health crisis currently being experienced within the veteran community. Art based VOICES workshops supporting the creation of veteran communities, and The VOICES Grant. The VOICES Grant is a fund dedicated to resourcing individuals and community groups efforts in building art based veteran communities.
Allowing veterans to feel heard and supported is a critical step in their healing process. Here, the artist, Michael Armstrong uses molasses as a metaphor for mental illness. This product provides a visually striking representation and confronting method for the veterans to explore and express the emotional state of living with PTSD. Molasses provides a means for physical expression and a visually accessible method to humanise and build awareness for the broader community. The service experience that has led to a life of living with PTSD varies within the veteran community. The range of images within the VOICES exhibition reflect the diversity of that experience and form the starting point of further discussion on what it means to live with PTSD; the symptoms and emotions that are battled daily by our members and the weight of service born by our veteran community and their families.
This film provides a behind the scenes look at the process the artist Michael (Mike) Armstrong uses to create his images.
The Voices of Veterans Project is looking for organisations to partner with to help expand it's reach and impact. If you personally or organisationally are interested in being involved please contact Michael through his website www.michaelarmstrong.com.au or through the project website at voicesofveterans.com.au
A huge thank you to Mick, Kris and Elysha who made the shoot possible.

[@adzyazgard]

Authentic and real. We need more of this. Thank you

[@michaelarmstrong1910]

Definitely more coming, thanks for the support

[@mattscholten7984]

Important visceral work my friend. Thank you.

[@michaelarmstrong1910]

Thank you Matt, I look forward to sharing more soon

[@johnphelan7663]

Brutally honest thing to do Mick. Great work.

[@michaelarmstrong1910]

Thanks John, I appreciate you watching and commenting

[@gordontraill6562]

Very Powerful work mate and cracking job by Kris. I too experienced that putting on the uniform for the last time was a surreal experience.

[@michaelarmstrong1910]

Thank you, it was an amazing day