Stick with the Winners! –

Issa Ibrahim finds meaning and purpose as an artist, musician, writer, filmmaker, activist, 25-year artist-in-residence at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center’s Living Museum, and now as a member of Fountain House Gallery. Author of the memoir The Hospital Always Wins, published in 2016, Issa has been featured on German Public Television, an HBO documentary, and an Edward R. Murrow and Third Coast award winning NPR audio story. Knocking down the icon has been a major theme for Issa since his teenage years, influenced in the late 1970s by punk rock.

Q. If you are in recovery, what was your Drug of Choice and when did you discontinue its use?
A. My drug of choice was marijuana. I’ve been clean since 1992. Had a brief relapse during Trump’s candidacy. I kinda said, “America, all bets are off!” As a result I became de-stabilized and had to be re-hospitalized. I’ve learned my lesson and am doing well without it.

Q. At which classes or workshops did you learn the most?
A. I believe life is the best teacher, it’s up to you to be a good student.

Q. Do you believe artists are made or born?
A. I don’t wish to ruffle any feathers but as an artist since birth I lean toward the latter, but I do believe great talent can be cultivated.

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