About Me

I was born and bred in Sydney and spent most of my adult life in Sydney’s inner city, aside from nine months in Europe and a year in Katoomba. I moved to Canberra in 2006 after meeting my husband, Jeff.

 

From 1988 to 1992 I studied for a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree at the College of Fine Arts, New South Wales University. Then I dropped out due to messiness. I had three psychotic episodes in the 1990s and was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. This site has a play, Van Gogh’s Boots, that is based on the first of these episodes. It also has a film, doG, which is based on the third episode. I finally completed my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the University of Western Sydney in 2001. Then, after throwing myself into Buddhism for a while, I completed a Masters of Analytical Psychology degree at UWS in 2007. In Canberra I completed a BA (Hons) at the Australian National University where I am currently undertaking a PhD in Philosophy. I’ve had a variety of casual jobs but my real vocation has been following dreams. Following dreams is not well paid but it’s very rewarding.

 

What I would like people to take away from this site, if anything, is a different take on mental illness. It’s not the end of the world. It doesn’t mean you’re mad. It doesn’t mean you’re useless. It’s a tough road but if you find the right people, at the right time, it’s a fantastic voyage. Thanks to those people who have given me so much with their friendship, love, kindness, and humour.

 

Shauna Winram

November 2014 (slightly updated 2022).