Richard McLean (Australia)

Richard McLean is an Australian illustrator writer, musician, artist and digital artist. He works as a graphic artist and illustrator for the Melbourne-based newspaper, The Age. He suffers from schizophrenia, the experience of which he often incorporates into his art. He often refers to himself as Richie Mclean to differentiate himself from the American artist of the same name.

A mental health advocate for many years with the likes of SANE Australia, The Mental Health Research Institute, The Dax Collection and others, he has completed a Masters in Education at Victoria University, Melbourne, with the exegesis and creative artifact available to see and download at http://www.theuniversalembrace.com 'The Universal Embrace', is the world's first interactive gay embrace that focuses on the physical, emotional, spiritual and politicised lenses.

His 2003 autobiography 'Recovered, Not Cured, a journey through schizophrenia', was awarded SANE Australias 'Book of the Year 2003' and was also awarded a 'Highly Commended' in the Human Rights and Equal Opportunities awards ceremonies the same year. A best seller for such a niche book, it can be sourced from http://www.recoverednotcured.com in iBook, ebook, physical copy or downloaded as an abridged audiobook version that was recorded by ABC National for the 'Life Matters' program. It was read by Richard in the first person.

He is now enrolled at Victoria College in Melbourne undergoing his PhD, with his focus being on the ethical considerations and reflections of young people inheriting a world of Artificial Intelligence and Superintelligence enabling Trans Humanism.

Also a musician, he has played around Melbourne as a singer-songwriter and guitarist in bands 'Bravura', 'Less' and 'Welcome to Tuesday'. The latter band was a three-piece including his brother Brad McLean and his previous bass player Greg Kirby. The album was produced, recorded and mixed by Greg Kirby and Richard.