In December 2004, Icarus put on its first artshow. "Radical Visions from Bipolar Worlds: An Artshow and Community Gathering," displayed the work of 40 artists whose lives were touched by madness in some form, as well as bringing together a whole cast of volunteers and support group members who worked together to pull the whole thing off. The opening, which was held at ABCNoRio, a former punk squat and now a community artspace, was attended by so many people we couldn't all fit in the room at once.

Our reader, Navigating the Space Between Brilliance And Madness

Since my earliest childhood memories, I have heard a voice - the voice is kind - but very authoritative; I don’t argue with the voice. It tells me to do things I would never have the imagination or courage to do on my own, and sometimes I’m terrified to follow its instructions, but this wise voice has never let me down and is behind all of the major growing I’ve done in my life. My website is www.anusuyaStarBear.com.

This gallery contains artwork and outtakes from our book-in-progress.

An unruly collection of mind-expanding images...

"...I sit and crop each individual magazine clipping and my mind drifts. Seemingly more subconscious than conscious it drifts away from negative self talk, away from the chaos of worries and slips into a deep meditative relaxed zone. When I enter into this creative head space I separate myself from the power and impact potentially overpowering emotions can have." Download full artists statement.