About Kate Kiernan


I am a 47 year old visual artist and I also write songs, though I am no guitarist. I grew up in New York City. I have a Bachelor's degree from Barnard College and a Bachelor's of Fine Arts degree from Alfred University. I began writing songs in my mid 20s, but didn't get serious about it until after I left a rather traumatic relationship with someone who was abusive and alcoholic. The songs I've included here are from that part of my life when I was recovering. Unfortunately, my recovery only lasted for three years and then I fell into psychotic delusions and paranoia. Soon afterwards I became diagnosed as having schizophrenia at which point I stopped writing songs for several years. It was only after three breakdowns that I committed to taking the anti-psychotic medications and gradually became stable again. I returned to art school and got my degree and this past year I finally turned my recorded tapes of my music into a CD to share with others. This is my first attempt to let other people hear some of what I've done. I'm in the process of making a new CD based on my experience with mental illness. I believe it is very important for people with mental illness and others to fight the stigma attached to illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and that is why I'm being open whenever I can about my illness. I hope you enjoy some of the music I've created.