Gabrian, James: - James received a diagnosis for bipolar affective disorder in his late teens, when it was still known as manic depression. In addition to the little experiences gained, like sitting cross-legged on a psych-ward floor, too medicated to move and dribbling into his lap, there were psychoses. For some with bipolar, psychosis creates a spiritual dis-ease.
Psychosis in bipolar is a mania induced state of mind where reality becomes non-reality. However, for the sufferer, the non-reality appears real. This is a strange world of things seen, heard and tasted beyond that which others can sense. However, it is one which fuels imagination. Drawing on these many experiences through the years, he has channelled them creatively and compassionately into his work.
His many internal journeys and brushes with the mental health system stirred a responsibility and a passion to support vulnerable others with complex needs. With many of them affected by mental health and homelessness, he has sought to empower them, so they can find their own voices.
Mixing commercial, academic and support type work with the experiences of the unreal, a vision crystallised to write about the existence of many lifetimes towards understanding the relationship and dis-ease between the Earth and after world. And why, the Earth and the after world systems were fashioned in the way they are, making them critically dependent upon each other.
Although living in the flatness of Norfolk, in reality, like eagles, he prefers mountains.