Matt Ottley on Neurodiversity and Creativity

The Human Risk Podcast

How does neurodiversity impact creativity? On this episode, I explore the challenges of mental health and how it can be both a driver of astonishing creativity and the cause of significant pain. I believe that having conversations about mental health is crucial if we want to create an inclusive society and get the best out of everyone.
To discuss this topic, I’m joined by the incredibly talented Matt Ottley, an author, illustrator, composer, and musician whose work spans multiple mediums and touches on profound themes. Matt’s journey as a creative artist has been deeply shaped by his experiences with Type 1 Bipolar Disorder, giving him a unique, and sometimes challenging, perspective on creativity and mental health.
Together, we discuss how Matt’s mental health has influenced his artistic process, how he navigates the extreme highs and lows of bipolar disorder, and how these experiences have culminated in his latest work, The Tree of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness. This project is a powerful multimedia exploration of psychosis and recovery, blending music, art, and storytelling. Matt has generously shared some of his music with us for the episode, so you’ll hear his words and his art.
Whether you’re interested in how art intersects with mental health, curious about how neurodiversity shapes creativity, or simply want to hear an inspiring story of personal challenges turned into extraordinary work, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.


Biography of the Guest:
Matt Ottley is an acclaimed Australian artist, composer, author, and illustrator whose work spans multiple disciplines, including visual art, literature, and music. Born in Papua New Guinea and later raised in Australia, Matt’s career has seen him navigate a diverse range of artistic pursuits, from working as a flamenco and classical guitarist to composing orchestral works and illustrating children’s books. However, what makes Matt’s story truly compelling is how his experiences with Type 1 Bipolar Disorder have shaped his artistic journey.
In addition to being a highly respected figure in the Australian arts community, Matt’s work often delves into profound and deeply personal themes, particularly around mental health. His most recent multimedia project, The Tree of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness, is a powerful and immersive exploration of psychosis and recovery. This ambitious blend of visual art, music, and storytelling has been described as a groundbreaking representation of the experience of living with bipolar disorder.
Beyond his personal website, Matt’s work has been recognized globally. He has exhibited in major galleries, published numerous books, and collaborated with orchestras to create performances that fuse sound and sight. His art and music often reflect his internal experiences and challenges, offering a window into the complexities of neurodiversity.
AI-Generated Timestamped Summary of Key Points:
[00:00:00] – Introduction by Christian Hunt, explaining the episode’s focus on mental health, creativity, and neurodiversity.
[00:01:00] – Christian introduces Matt Ottley, highlighting his artistic career and experiences with bipolar disorder.
[00:03:00] – Matt describes his childhood in Papua New Guinea and Australia and how his early creative talents emerged in unique ways.
[00:07:00] – Matt discusses how bipolar disorder first began to shape his creative output and artistic development.
[00:12:00] – Explanation of bipolar disorder and its various forms, including Matt’s personal experiences with psychosis.
[00:16:00] – The relationship between extreme emotions, creativity, and mental health and how they fuel Matt’s artistic process.
[00:23:00] – Matt describes his multimedia project, The Tree of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness, as a portrayal of his experiences with psychosis.
[00:33:00] – Christian and Matt discuss societal challenges around neurodiversity, creativity, and the stigma attached to mental health.
[00:47:00] – Matt explains his creative process, particularly how music, art, and words are deeply intertwined in his work.
[01:01:00] – The episode concludes with reflections on empathy, neurodiversity, and the importance of understanding mental health.
Links

Matt's website: https://mattottley.com/
The Tree of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness: https://mattottley.com/product/tree-of-e/
CityLit Mental Wealth Festival: Saturday October 11th – Film Screening of The Tree of Ecstasy and Unbearable Sadness followed by a Q&A with Matt Ottley (via Zoom): https://www.citylit.ac.uk/events/mental-wealth-festival