On the first day of Christmas...

The aim of this blog is for me to record my ideas, planning, research, inspiration, and pictures which will eventually for my project, which at this stage has the working title of "The 12 days of Christmas".

This project has been a while in the making. I really began thinking about what I wanted to do for my major project around November last year. I really wanted to do something that would not only give me satisfaction and challenge me as a photographer, but also challenge me as an individual. I tossed around ideas ranging from sports, advertising, landscapes, children with cancer, alcoholism, underground cultures, and a million other things. I spoke with many of my friends and invited their opinions on what topic I should chose for my work, and it was whilst having lunch with my friend (insert props to Ainslie here) that the topic of refugees came up.

What got me thinking that this was an excellent subject was the fact that although this has been a widely debated topic in Australia, I wasn't sure of what my own stance was on this topic. I am sentimental towards those that endure harsh conditions in their own countries, and I believe that no one should have to live under threat of violence, persecution, or abuse of any form, but at the same time, I believe that Australia needs to protect its way of living and anyone wishing to enter our country should do so through the proper channels.

I thought back to the graphic images from last year of the refugee boat crashing into the rocks on the violent seas off Christmas Island and I thought to myself, "I really have no idea what happens on Christmas Island. I know there is a detention centre for 'boat people', but that's about it". Why are these people coming here? What happens once they reach our shores? What is Australia's policy on asylum seekers?

So my project was born...

Over the next few months I am going to attempt to do as much research into this topic as I can. Then, I'm going to go to Christmas Island and find out what the local residents think, and hopefully get access to some refugee's aswell, to find out their stories.

There has been a lot said and written about Christmas Island, and it is hard to digest it and work out what the "right solution" is, so my aim is to try and open up people's eyes a little, through my photographs.

Let the journey begin...