Bipolar & Me
My name is Missy Douglas and I am an artist. Seventeen years ago, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a psychological condition which, although highly idiosyncratic in its symptoms, is most commonly characterized by shifting episodes of mania and depression.
On January 1st 2013, I commenced an ambitious artistic project which would span more than a year and encompass both text and image. Now this creative endeavor is coming to fruition and I need your help.
The Paintings & The Book
In order to explore openly the relationship between the condition and my work, I decided that each day, for the entirety of 2013, I would paint a 6 x 8 inch canvas with the aim of expressing visually my shifting daily psychological landscape. Completed in situ wherever I was in the world, each canvas would attempt to reflect my emotional and psychological state - mania, depression, stability - over that 24-hour period. As a whole, I hoped that this project would thus allow a glimpse into the creative life of an artist and serve as a candid visual record of a personal day-to-day journey of someone living with bipolar disorder.
I am convinced of the project’s artistic impact so, in addition to completing the canvasses, I have decided to reproduce all 365 images in an art book, entitled 2:365. Money you pledge will go towards the production of the first edition of full-color art books, each volume comprising 400 pages, of 8.5 x 11 inch in size, perfect bound on high quality paper. As well as full-color prints of each 365 canvas, the book will also include an introduction, acknowledgements of your support, and a daily written log of my movements and thoughts. As a coffee table book, a perpetual calendar or a simple catalogue of paintings, 2:365 will be a beautiful object to own and cherish.
I would really love your help in making this phase of the project a success. You will receive fantastic rewards in return for your support. As well as being able to buy a signed first edition of the book, you can also pledge to receive hand-painted reproductions of the canvasses, postcard bundles and wall calendars.
2:365 has already been a huge artistic undertaking, testing both my professional technical abilities and personal emotional strength. With your support, I hope that I can now bring the project to completion and see the 2:365 art book come to life. Thank you!
More about Me
I currently work in collaboration with fellow artist Kim Rask, under the studio name ucki ood. Previously based in Brussels, Belgium we now have small studios in New York City and Seattle. Since the studio's inception in 2011, we have exhibited our paintings and sculpture both in Europe and the US. See our portfolio at www.uckiood.com for more details. Thank you so much for your support!
Risks and challenges
The original 365 paintings were completed on December 31st 2013. Once completed, they were shipped to our studio in Seattle, scanned and color corrected ready to be compiled with the text and sent to our printer. A proof copy will be made so I can ensure the book's high quality before the first edition print run commences. We are using a local printer so we can work closely with them should any issues arise.
Distribution could be a challenge but not insurmountable. If I receive more support for the project in Europe/The Rest of the World than originally envisaged, it may make sense to complete a print run in situ for local distribution. I have already discussed this with our contacts in Europe and am confident that this can be done.
If any problems arise, my colleague and I will make every effort to keep you, our supporters, updated with any changes, delays or difficulties. But we are committed to seeing this project come to fruition and will do everything we can to ensure that you receive your rewards on time.
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Funding period
- (30 days)