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Mara
McWilliams is California raised outsider artist. She was diagnosed
with Bipolar Disorder at 19 years old. For most of her life she
fought the demons associated with mental illness, self-injury, addiction,
and eating disorders. Now in recovery, she lives with her wife Renee
and their daughter. Mara expresses the intensity of living with
Bipolar Disorder through her work. It is her desire that by sharing
her work and experiences with Bipolar Disorder, she can help de-stigmatize
the illness.
Mara practices art therapy, writes mental health consumer articles
and spiritually counsels those who reach out to her for assistance.
She strongly believes that all individuals diagnosed with a mental
illness should “come out of the closet.” As a mental health
advocate, she believes that it is through sharing our experiences
with society through simply admitting to and accepting one's illness
will strengthen public support for the mental health community.
Mara has dedicated her life to raising her daughter, volunteering
in her community, and helping others improve themselves whenever
the opportunity presents itself. The birth of her art came from
despair and had led her into recovery. For her, art and recovery
are inseparable.
Since launching Recovery Through Art, Mara has spoken to many beautiful
people living with, or helping a loved one live with, Bipolar Disorder.
It is for those people that this site was initially launched. Thank
you for 4 years of continued mental health and for sharing your
lives with me.
Current Show:
July 2005, Billy DeFrank Center, San Jose, CA
Upcoming Shows:
October 2005, Krazy Krepes, San Mateo, CA
Past Exhibitions:
June 2005 and June 2004, San Francisco City Hall, Spouses for Life-
A Wedding Album October 2004, Phantom Galleries, San Jose, CA
February 2005 and October 2004, Offices of Dr. Luce, Atherton, CA
Publications:
2005 Lambda Literary Award for Best Non-Fiction Anthology, I Do/I
Don’t ~ Queers on Marriage edited by Greg Wharton and Ian Philips,
Our Gay Wedding pg. 225 by Mara McWilliams
Outta My Head and In Your Face, Mara McWilliams
Kindness is a Great Wedding Gift, Mara McWilliams, San Jose
Mercury News
Fostoria Glass, Scarce, Unique and Whimsies by Juanita Williams,
Thank You Painting by Mara McWilliams on Dedication Page
to the US Troops
Taming Bipolar Disorder by Lori Oliwenstein, Manic Mind
pg. 292 and Bipolar Parenting pg. 293 by Mara McWilliams
Hitched! Wedding Stories from San Francisco edited by Cheryl
Dumsil, Kindness is a Great Wedding Gift by Mara McWilliams.
"Beautiful
Woman"
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"Purple Nude"
"Chaos"
"Beyond
Cutting"
featured art from Mara's Book:
"Outta
My Head and In Your Face"
Back
to Mara's E-card Page
Art
Prints and Gifts
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