Changing Perspectives - An Artist’s View of Manic Depression’s interpolation into the creative process

Abstract

The goal of this thesis is to portray the manic depressive spectrum in individuals and families, as seen through the positive, negative, rational and dangerous aspects and its impact on the creative process through my Interpolations project. The project consists of three main works considered here; SELF (mania), melancholy (depression), and Caged (anger). For the most part, the conception of these works was based upon the process of and relate directly to manic depression itself. I also briefly comment on the moral discourse surrounding current and future genetic advancements and possibilities and the consequences thereof. This thesis is a partial explanation of the creative process presented by personal example and experience of a creative with cyclothymia, as well as researched information on the subject. Cyclomania is a “mild” form of manic-depressive disorder. Manic depression, known medically today as bipolar disorder is defined by manic or hypomanic episodes, alternating with depressive episodes; the severity and consequences of these episodes determine the actual diagnosis. The chapters are loosely based around the central theme typing the personal experiences and somewhat scattered fragments of life, research, and evidence of the links and other aspects of creativity and bipolar disorder. It is a curious blend of personal and research based work and the separate but connected artwork created over the course of a well documented year with excerpts from a personal journal and poetry containing the emotions, senses, and feelings contained therein. Abstract Keywords manic, depression,