The Upcycled Healing Brain
An Eco-Therapy Diary in 80 Buried Spoons – an illustrated poetic memoir detailing a journey from brain trauma to acceptance and healing.
"A unique and brilliant insight into Luca’s real, researched and imagined experiences, combining image and text to show how creativity can be (and is) intrinsic to the art of living well. Profoundly moving, playful and full of rich humanity and love – you will laugh out loud, you’ll probably cry, but you will come to know Luca and how he ultimately navigates an extraordinary and vibrant life." – Dr Jess Moriarty, Course Leader of Creative Writing MA at Brighton University, and Director of the Research Centre in Arts and Wellbeing
Praise for The Upcycled Healing Brain: An Eco-Therapy Diary in 80 Buried Spoons
"An emotional, artistic, visceral journey through Luca's lived experience of neurological trauma and the disability that followed. Be prepared to ride the waves in and out, to accompany Luca through times of confusion, despair, acceptance as well as love, joy and a newness of life."
– Dr Anita Marsden, Clinical Psychologist and Mindfulness Teacher specialising in Neurodivergence and Neuroaffirmative practice
“Executed with a high level of critical and emotional intelligence – and I suspect a great deal of inner strength – it is a gem of an expected but welcome publication.”
– Craig Burston, Senior Lecturer in Graphic and Media Design at London College of Communication, University of the Arts London
About the Author
Luca M Damiani is an artist, author and university fellow, focusing his ongoing creative practice and research on neuroscience/health, technology and nature. His work also crosses over with human rights and social design.
Luca has a neurological disability and has had various books of visual art and academic articles published, as well as his art exhibited internationally. He has worked and collaborated with institutions such as BMJ Medical Humanities, Mozilla, Amnesty International, BBC, Science Gallery, Computer Arts Society, Disney, University of the Arts London, Yale University, Jewish Book Council, The Times of Israel, TATE, V&A and more.
Vital Statistics
Imprint: Valley Press
Edition: First (July 2024)
Paperback ISBN: 9781915606396
Catalogue number: VP0236
Page count: 88
Trim size: 229x152mm
