Description THE ARTIST'S DISEASE is my most current anthology. A mixture of observations, analysis and love coloured by the visions my illness granted me. The Artist's Disease will give readers an insight into mental health issues and recovery from an Australian perspective. My writing has for me been more than self analysis. It has been a poetic journey through the pits and peaks of madness and beyond. About the Author Damien was born in Seven Hills, Sydney, Australia in 1958. He was one of five children, all of whom are creative. His father was a British Paratrooper and Mentor to Damien. His mother was a warm, supportive woman with her own artistic gifts. When they found out that Damien had bipolar she danced him around the kitchen saying "son, you have the artist's disease'. Damien has completed qualifications in library studies which compliments his life long love affair with poetry and writing. Damien has also had a long history of involvement with music, theatre and literature. He names his diverse influences as the Beat Poets, Native American Shamanic writings, Pink Floyd, Steve Vie and Van Gelis just to name a few. Despite these numerous influences, Damien's voice emerges as a highly original and gifted poet. Damien has entered the chaos and pain of illness and emerged into recovery as a strong, expressive, generous and giving man. He credits his recovery and positive outlook to family, his writing, a commitment to wellness and the positive supports of the people around him.