Quantaphoria- Behind The Makeup
I love doing my makeup for shows and skits/reels. Its part of how we express ourselves. There is more underneath this asymmetrical style than meets the eye. Jams2blues (James Lee), The Male Lead and guitarist behind Quantaphoria underwent an immense systemic medical failure for over 9 years. He was labeled and misdiagnosed Bipolar 1 psychotic, overmedicated, and treated as clinically insane by healthcare professionals for nearly a decade. The underlying cause was an autoimmune disease called Celiac disease! Yes, you heard that right, the globally made-fun-of and desensitized gluten intolerance was far more than a meme or a joke with Me. I lived through hell, screamed bloody murder, suffered immense psychological torture and misdirection by Healthcare providers in abundance before integrative/functional Medicine at Bridgepoint Clinics (Dr. Darshan Patel) found the underlying root cause of all my disdain, episodes, mood swings, and manic grandiosity. Brain Malnutrition from a suspected malabsorption gut issue. I have been medication Free for almost 2 full years now, eating Gluten-free certified, and nearly completely symptom free! That many years of misdiagnosis and brain chemical manipulation took a massive toll on me and my brain development, BUT... I am healing. I am always both happy & sad, and I am grateful to be alive to share my art and music with my Wife and best friend Anna Lee with the world. At 38 years old, I am finally at a place where I feel like I can come out of my shell and be spontaneous, free, and artsy without feeling like it is attached to judgement and mental illness. I was there, I conquered it, and I know for a fact ANYONE Can Do It!
I am weird. I know that. I wouldn't want it any other way. Being weird opens doors to truth. So be strange. Be odd. Be a self worth wondering and discovering things about. #Babisuka #quantaphoria #makeup #band #behindthescene
Living with a debilitating health condition like Celiac disease, especially after years of misdiagnosis, profoundly shapes both personal outlook and creative expression. Quantaphoria's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of holistic healthcare approaches. When conventional medicine fails to identify the root cause, it can lead to ineffective treatments and emotional distress. Discovering that the true underlying issue was an autoimmune disorder opened a new chapter—one centered on healing and self-acceptance. Adopting a gluten-free lifestyle is not just a dietary change but a crucial step in managing symptoms and restoring brain health affected by malabsorption. This transformation can free individuals from chronic mood swings and psychological burdens caused by untreated conditions. I’ve personally observed that embracing alternative medicine or integrative approaches, like those at Bridgepoint Clinics, can be life-changing, especially when traditional routes fall short. Moreover, the role of art and makeup as expressive outlets cannot be overstated. For many, creating unique, asymmetrical makeup designs is more than aesthetics; it’s a form of reclaiming identity and celebrating individuality amid struggles. This creative process fosters confidence and provides a safe space to explore emotions. Finally, Quantaphoria’s journey emphasizes the value of embracing one’s quirks and “weirdness.” Adopting such openness encourages self-discovery and breaks down stigma surrounding mental health and chronic illness. It’s a reminder that healing is multifaceted, involving mind, body, and spirit, and that artistic expression can be a powerful ally on that journey.