I am Blake Robert Horsley—an artist, author, and mental health advocate whose life and work are shaped by a deeply personal journey with bipolar disorder. Diagnosed at seventeen, I learned to navigate the challenges of carrying this illness while holding onto the memory of saving my mother’s life from a suicide attempt during her own struggle with the same affliction. These experiences fuel my mission to break stigma and give voice to those living with mental health conditions.

​

My art reflects the emotional intensity of bipolar disorder, using bold colours, strong lines, and layered imagery to capture the energy of manic episodes. Exhibited across Ontario, my work has earned praise for its raw honesty and emotional depth.

​

I am also the author of A MAN WITH GLASSES, a candid memoir about living with bipolar disorder, chronicling both hardship and hope. My story has reached wide audiences, including the CBC’s award-winning podcast CAMPUS, where I shared the unique challenges of pursuing higher education while managing my condition.

​

Through art, writing, and open dialogue, I aim to foster understanding, compassion, and resilience—proving that even in the face of adversity, creativity and hope can thrive.