The Unknown Cost
by Jayson Tuntland
Title
The Unknown Cost
Artist
Jayson Tuntland
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
There is a price of war, that only the individual surviving soldier knows.
This price is catastrophic for some, for others it is another turn in the road, but it is life changing for all.
Surely there are many other major costs associated with the business of war. Death, broken families, and broken hearts to name a few. My purpose with this piece is not to downgrade any of them, but rather to draw attention to one specific cost that is entirely undefined and can only be realized in the hearts and minds of those who served and made it back alive.
Some of the thoughts and feelings are shared by many others, and some are unique to each individual who served. Some are talked about, and many others are not. Some can never be forgotten, as they are lived out in the mind everyday and in dreams at night. Some are forgotten for a while, and brought back to us during times of quiet reflection.
Backstory:
This is a photograph of a friend of mine shortly after we returned from Iraq. The world nearly lost him, to his own hand, a few days before this shot was taken. He was and is a talented and very intelligent young man. A young man with promise and much to give his family and community. It was late in the evening, long after duty hours for either of us, and he was still in uniform. I kidnapped him, and drug him down to the coast, hoping the change in environment and a chance to reflect would help. In a small way, it was a time of healing. He hopped up on a rock to view the moonlit coast, and I took a moment to capture the scene.
For a long while, this image has been a personal piece for me with a personal story. Now that some time has passed, I realize it is actually the story of all who have served, and made it back alive.
- Jayson
All images are copyrighted © by Jayson Tuntland. The use of any image from this site is prohibited unless prior written permission from the artist is obtained.
Uploaded
October 23rd, 2018
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Viewed 729 Times - Last Visitor from New York, NY on 03/28/2024 at 1:21 AM
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Comments (9)
Todd Henson
Thanks for sharing this work, Jayson. It's an incredibly powerful and moving image, and your words provide real context. I got chills reading them. This image has impact on many levels.
Jayson Tuntland replied:
Thank you Todd. This is a special one to me. I hope it can help others, even in just small ways.
Mary Lynn Giacomini
The feelings this shot evokes......beautiful silhouette with the moon and reflection on the water. You have a gift...