The author's expertise and knowledge on the subject matter is incredible. This prowess and his excellent artistry made for a perfect reading experience. I learned so much about Bipolar Disorder and its effects. Most of the information out there about the condition can be misleading, and David made it his job to lay out the facts. I applaud his bravery in sharing his vulnerability and story with us. It added so much emotion and authenticity to the book. His passion and desire to help others who may be in the same situation as him is unquestionable.
 

Author and artist David A Feingold has crafted an absolutely ideal work for people who don’t find clinical, by-the-book self-help in any way fruitful but would rather explore a myriad of different emotional stimuli, reframing and using fresh perspectives on bipolar to come to terms with their own thoughts and feelings. I felt that I got a really clear sense of the havoc that being bipolar has played with this author’s life, but also a true sense of empowerment in how he has channeled this into artwork and into helping others, thanks to extensive research and qualifications in the area. I really especially loved the captions beneath the inlaid works of art alongside different pages, as these gave a unique insight into the author’s emotional thought process when developing the image. Overall, STIGMA: Through the Eyes of a Bipolar Artist is an absolutely essential read for anyone with an interest in bipolar and how it affects either themselves or those around them.

My favorite work of art by David A Feingold in STIGMA: Through the Eyes of a Bipolar Artist is on page thirty-six and is called Lying Through My Teeth. Within a palette of earth tones is the clouded face of a person who has their fingers pressing, somewhat aggressively, into the mouth and lower part of the face. The complexity is in the look on the person's face that, much like the Mona Lisa does, asks whether the subject is trying desperately to speak or not to speak, or even if they are holding back a smirk or a cry. Feingold's ability to bring readers into the fold in a subjective way comes across in every aspect of the book. He describes a mentor of his as, “An embodiment of creativity and the quest for enthusiastic discovery,” which I found interesting because in reading the book—several times, I might add—it turns out that Feingold can be described in these terms as well. Very highly recommended.

Stigma Through the Eyes of a Bipolar Artist is part memoir, part self-help guide, but most of all, it is a work of art. David A. Feingold lays bare his life story and his struggles with bipolar disorder through a captivating combination of personal anecdotes, art, and poetry, seeking to help spread awareness about the bipolar-impaired self. He reveals his manic episodes as well as trips to the psychiatric ward and how they impacted him at crucial moments of his life. One of the most significant passages in this book is about how bipolar disorder, or any other mental illness, affects one's loved ones, especially friends and family. I found the book to be an inspiring and illuminating reading experience. Highly recommended.

I am in awe of David A Feingold and his artistic abilities. This man is capable of producing breathtaking artwork and can also explain his thoughts in vivid clarity. Stigma Through the Eyes of a Bipolar Artist is a testament that mental illness can take advantage of you but cannot better you. This book is a powerful and insightful look at the impact of mental illness stigma on individuals and society and a call to action for greater awareness and understanding. I love how each chapter has several artworks, some questions for you to reflect on, and a poem that beautifully explains the chapter. The author is right, his artwork is profound, and you don’t have to be an expert or an art critic to see that. The way he describes bipolar disorder is heartbreaking yet very natural too. The narrative becomes very matter-of-fact regarding the disorder but becomes so passionate when David talks about his art. I would love to sit down with him and talk about his art. I feel there is a genius hidden behind the jaded and almost too practical demeanor. I highly recommend this inspirational yet educational book!