In an attempt to rekindle her relationship with her estranged brother Steve, who suffered with schizophrenia, Joan met him at the Art Studios in Vancouver. Schizophrenia had already done its worst, confounding Steve with voices, hallucinations, and delusions. At fifty-five, Steve was in a burn-out phase of schizophrenia with a hunger for creativity. Joan’s efforts to connect with him through art soon become the vehicle of change. Over the next eight years, Steve progressed both artistically and personally. Together, Steve and Joan explored their art and learned to trust one another. Steve’s artwork provides a glimpse into his perspective, at once troubled and beautiful. His paintings and drawings were eventually displayed in two solo exhibits at Basic Inquiry Gallery. He attended what would become his final solo show shortly before his death in 2013. DrawBridge: Drawing Alongside My Brother’s Schizophrenia offers a path of hope for those afflicted with mental illness and for their advocates.

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