Lee Maples
Artist's Bio
I started drawing after I was released from a Mental Health facility in June 2010. I have been diagnosed with Major Depression with Psychotic Features, Bipolar I, Severe Anxiety and PTSD. I have proudly served my nation in The United States Air Force for the past 15 years and I am currently being Medically Retired. I have always had a love affair with using my hands to create. I spent many years as a Fighter Aircraft Mechanic and have been to the Middle East on several occasions. I have spent the past 14 years living in Japan. I had my first bout of depression seven years ago and never recovered due to the lack of knowledge about my disorders and the lack of training by my friends, peers and supervision. I was sent to California May 2010 due to my demand for Psychiatric help because I was one step from killing myself. I have been diagnosed with several physical disorders as well. I am a recluse as are most people with mental disorders. I find it very frustrating to be in public places where a large number of people are around. I get over stimulated visually and auditorily very easy. I have been attending a daily Cognitive Behavioral Therapy program and a PTSD group to better understand my behavior, learn coping skills and how to function as a human being. I do not want to “get back” to being “my old self” because, if I were, it would lead me back to where I am today. I am starting to accept “thank you” from those that I have worked so hard to help out as best as I could and continue to do help. We all are in a fight. Our fight? Living one more day, embracing what gifts we have been blessed with, each morning no matter if it is sunny or gloomy, and the will to survive.
The main focus of my art is from my mind’s eye. I never start a piece with a complete image in my mind. I hope, in the future, to own an art supply store with a gallery for local artists and an area devoted to displaying all facets of art for those with mental illnesses. I am so thankful that I came across this site and for the opportunity not only to display my work and the work of others but, to know that I am not alone and to feel such a great sense of community unlike any other I have seen.
Mediums: Drawing, Oil, Acrylics, Pastels, Watercolors and Mixed Media.
