John Loftus
Currently my work is focused on aspects of recovery and substance use disorder (SUD). Specifically, I am focusing on the city of Lewiston and the nearby surrounding areas. I concentrate on recovery and the support that is needed to successfully stay sober. A big aim of my work is breaking down the stigma around SUD and addiction. I believe deeply that it is wrong for society to write off entire groups of people based on something like their past and use of drugs.
I partnered with the non-profit An Angel’s Wing, which is in Lewiston, Maine, and operates a thrift store, to raise money for those who are seeking and need support. Since the start of last fall, I have been volunteering for them as a photographer and taking photos for various events. It was important to me to build relationships and connections with the people who are helping those in need or who are in the process of recovery themselves.
All the images in the exhibition are taken with analog cameras, using 35mm Tri-X 400 Black and White film. I primarily used a Nikon F3 with 50mm lens and 35mm lens to photograph this project, but also used the Hasselblad Xpan, a panoramic 35mm film camera. My decision to use these materials was intentional, as I find that they are not only disarming to the individuals I am working with, but that they force me to work in a more careful and deliberate way.
I purposefully aim to avoid aspects of addiction that get a lot of attention, like the shocking, gritty, and harsh imagery associated with drugs. By putting my focus on the family, which is the support system that is most needed when fighting for sobriety, I can capture imagery that is engaging and approachable, as everyone can relate to family. This, I believe, is key to help change the narrative and stigma around SUD. The intention of my work is to help the people who are battling addiction and I am committed to a process that is collaborative and trustworthy.