Bipolar disorder is often characterized by periods of highly creative thoughts and behaviours
Bipolar disorder (which was once called “manic depression”) is a condition characterized by repeated episodes of depression and abnormally elevated mood. Although bipolar disorder has been associated with disability and poor quality of life, it is also, for some people, associated with positive aspects of life, such as increased creativity. Over half a million Canadians have BD. (more…)
Local gallery appeals for funds so its programs for all people, including those with disabilities, are available
Start With Art Nanaimo (SWAN) opened a studio across from the Nanaimo train station in 2009 called Studio 366. In the past year the studio has grown in use with art shows, classes, open studio times, rentals, and more. The artists’ collective had responded to a growth in interest among those working in the disability field who were using art in their practice.
Start With Art Nanaimo has a core group of board members and a growing membership that supports the founding principle that a community becomes stronger through art. SWAN aims to make art an integral part of the lives of people with disabilities, and to promote the work of artists with disabilities. (more…)
Reconnecting with Simon Walls—now in Montreal—about his walk across Canada
Singer-songwriter Simon Walls’ travels began shortly after the loss of a friend to suicide. He spent seven months in the Katimavik program and then walked across Spain, accompanied by the book “The Pilgrimage”, by Paulo Coelho. In April 2010 he left Victoria on what will be a cross-Canada walk—to share his music and experiences. He stopped by Nanaimo on April 22nd, and joined the People First Radio broadcast. Simon also spoke with us from Saskatchewan on Canada Day. He has been written up in Canadian Geographic and in an article called Breaking down Simon’s walls in Toronto-based Sticky Magazine. (more…)
Victoria art exhibition to include Parksville and Nanaimo artists inspired by struggles, recovery
A juried art exhibition called One in Five opens friday October 15th in Victoria. It features works by a diverse group of artists from Vancouver, Nanaimo, Victoria, and elsewhere. With them comes the spirit of their creativity, which will be seen in the form of photography, found object sculpture, painting, drawing and digital media.
The exhibition is called “One in Five” because 1 in 5 Canadians will experience mental health problems in their lifetime. The ten artists in the exhibition have all at some point in their lives experienced mental health issues. The exhibition is considered an opportunity to open up discussion, raise awareness, and help others learn more about mental health. (more…)
Sandra Yuen MacKay’s book is a true story about her journey of recovery
Sandra Yuen MacKay has written a book about her recovery from what she describes as an invisible disability—schizoaffective disorder—which includes a combination of schizophrenia and a mood disorder. The true story about her journey of recovery from mental illness has just been published. My Schizophrenic Life: The Road to Recovery From Mental Illness begins with early memories from childhood and junior high school—and then follows Sandra as, in her own words, the gate slowly closes, separating her from normal existence. (more…)
Short films for kids share values of taking care of mind, body, and the earth
Devyn Brugge, a Nanaimo-based filmmaker, has teamed up with Bobbi (‘Aunti Bobbi’ the clown) Kurtz, a local performer, to create a series of YouTube films for kids. The general themes of the series relate to taking care of mind, body, and the earth.
The project will involve a total of four episodes and the pair hope to find sponsorship or grants to help them complete it. According to The Nanaimo Daily News, Devyn and Bobbi “have a feeling they’re onto a winning combination of talents and theme and it’s something they plan to pursue in one way or another.” (more…)
