By Isaac DeVille, staff reporter.
With all the stigma attached to bipolar disorder, many people go through the illness silently suffering. However, some people use it as an inspiration. Van Gogh did, and so did Dr. David Feingold who published an art book called “Stigma” about the stigma attached to bipolar disorder. Feingold will be visiting Delta to discuss bipolar disorder and the way it informs his art on Monday, Nov. 14 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in room S-10.
David Baskind, psychology professor and organizer of the event, says, “My hope is that people will come away with a bit more compassion towards mental health issues, and that people will have a better understanding of them also. There’s still a bit of stigma”
The event will show a video presentation that will showcase Feingold’s art. It’ll be set to music and he’ll speak before and after the video. Feingold will be discussing his personal experiences with bipolar disorder, as he has been dealing with it for years. The art reflects his emotional state at the time.
Professor Baskind has hopes that the event will open a door to understand mental health issues.
“I hope art students learn a little bit more about the creative process. That where they are at mentally and emotionally can influence the kind of works they create,” says Baskind.
Feingold has overcome the obstacles presented by bipolar disorder in his academic career. He has earned a bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees, a doctoral degree, and is a visual designer as well as an artist and author.
“Part of my goal as a teacher is to help students have a better understanding of people, and to have more compassion for people who are experiencing difficult things like bipolar disorder,” says Baskind. “Everyone has either a first hand or second hand knowledge of mental health issues. All families have someone with depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, panic attacks, or sleep problems.”
Baskind says he has always been passionate about helping people understand mental illness. He hopes this event will show the connection between mental states, how it influences works of art and create a bit of empathy for people with psychological issues.
