Michael Campbell is a brilliant abstract artist who lives in Suwannee County with the goal of spreading joy through his artwork. To Michael, it’s his way of making others, and himself, happy, as well as giving back to his community. Michael, who just turned 50, has been painting for the past year. Michael initially ventured into painting as a hobby. Instead, he ended up quickly finding success through selling them online. Though, not everything has come as easy as painting to Michael.
By Susan Lamb Tammy Johns Photography
At a young age, Michael was in an accident that left him unable to walk. After falling into a neighbor’s pool, he was in a coma that affected his brain function. While in a coma, Michael developed pneumonia, and doctors suggested taking him off life support. “I avoided the doctor so he couldn’t talk to me about pulling Michael off his life-saving equipment,” Karla, Michael’s mother, says. When Michael woke up, doctors worried he would have to be institutionalized. Not accepting that answer, Michael’s family took his care into their own hands. Eventually, Michael was eating, sitting up and gaining weight; he was getting better. The family knew it was the hand of God and love and care by the family that led to his turn-around. “It was a long hard battle, but we did it. I knew he would make it!” Karla says. In his world, Michael’s taken a stand. “I won’t back down,” he insists. His Facebook page features Tom Petty singing “I Won’t Back Down,” a song Michael has chosen to become his life motto. Michael is always trying to push his limits and expand upon his interests and experiences, challenging life to try and hold him back. “Michael was never scared of anything,” Karla says. Karla and Gary, Michael’s parents, admire his resiliency, even though he often makes them hold their breaths. For example, when he went ziplining last year. “I was so scared, but he was determined to do it and told me if it was his time to go, he would,” Karla says. Growing up, Michael enjoyed participating in parasports. In one instance, Michael was racing on his walker with Gary running beside him yelling, “Go Michael, go!” Michael threw down the walker and finished the competition at the finish line. “He’s done so many things to make me proud, and he’s met a lot of people,” Karla says. One of those being the late FSU coach Bobby Bowden. Michael is a huge FSU fan and was floored to get to meet one of his heroes. “Bobby was so good to Michael, and he even signed a football for him,” Gary says. When it came time to eat together, Bobby asked Michael if he rather sit with the players or cheerleaders. 511 Goldkist Boulevard SW Not shocking to his Live Oak, FL 32064 386-362-7143 parents, Michael chose the cheerleaders.
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