4 minute read
Michael Campbell
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 nding 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 a ected his brain function. While in a coma, Michael developed pneumonia, and doctors suggested taking him o life support. “I avoided the doctor so he couldn’t talk to me about pulling Michael o 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 nished the competition at the nish 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 oored 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. Not shocking to his parents, Michael chose the cheerleaders.
511 Goldkist Boulevard SW Live Oak, FL 32064 386-362-7143
Michael with his parents Karla and Gary, and nephew.
“Art has a voice —let it speak.”
— Rochelle Carr
The ARC is an organization that provides advocacy, employment training and living services for people with disabilities in Suwannee, Hamilton, Lafayette, Columbia and Baker Counties. Michael has a job at the ARC as a client liaison, while Gary serves as the organization’s treasurer. After Gary retired from law enforcement after 37 years, the family decided to move to Suwannee County speci cally for the opportunities the ARC could o er Michael. Since then, Michael has been at the ARC every week since moving to Suwannee County ve years ago. “I have never seen a place so compassionate and organized that serves the community so well,” Karla says.
If Michael isn’t spending his free time on his artwork, he volunteers with his family to help others in need. Last Christmas, he spent his time making gift bags, made possible by numerous donations, for those in nursing homes in their area. According to Karla, they were able to provide a gift for every person in the facility thanks to Michael’s caring idea and the family’s hard work. Michael’s parents have dedicated their lives to caring for their son, giving him as much of a normal life as possible. Both parents are constantly with Michael to assist him any way they can, including helping him communicate with others. With Michael’s resiliency, humor and easygoing attitude, it’s not di cult for
him to brighten a room. Karla says giving up was never in her vocabulary. “Don’t give up. I never gave up, I never will, and Michael is going to do outstanding things,” Karla says. Although there are still many obstacles to come for this 50-year-old artist, Michael continues to persevere, bringing laughter and happiness wherever he goes with his smiles and desire to make others happy, especially through his paintings.
Michael’s paintings recently caught the Suwannee County Property Appraiser, Ricky Gamble. Ricky, who serves on the ARC board alongside Michael and Gary, wanted one of Michael’s paintings for his o ce. Thrilled by his request, Michael took a painting to Ricky’s downtown o ce in Live Oak. “This is just the rst of many more to come,” Ricky states while presenting the piece, pointing to an open wall awaiting more of Michael’s future artistic endeavors.
—Michael Campbell
As for Michael’s hopes for the future, painting plays a huge role. “My goal is to become famous, build a house, get a new wheelchair and put my money back into supplies for painting,” Michael says. When speaking on this feature, Michael said, “If I can touch others through this story, I want to do that!” Regardless of what’s to come, Michael
won’t back down. ■
