We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michael Blanchard a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Michael, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?

I had struggled with addiction for over 30 years before finally deciding to seek help and enter recovery. While I was proud of my progress and committed to staying sober, I soon realized that not everyone saw it that way. In the begining, despite hard work, many people still saw me as someone with poor character or weak willpower, rather than as someone who was battling a disease.

With newfound sobriety, I found myself with the time and clarity of mind to focus on creative pursuits. After taking pictures on Martha’s Vineyard I soon found that my work was resonating with people. I began to write about my experiences in recovery, and found that the words were helping others who were struggling with addiction.

Over time, the photography and writing gained a following, and I decided to open my own gallery featuring only my work. People touched by words and photos on social media came from all over the country to talk about art and recovery. The gallery became a meeting place in addition to a place to sell art. The two went hand in hand. I then used my work to write books and make calendars used in fundraising. I raised over $50,000 in 7 years.

Being misunderstood or mischaracterized comes with the phenomenon of human judgement. When people are hurt from past mistakes the judgements can be strong and unwavering. Words mean nothing, and only through actions, integrity, and doing the next right thing, do those judegements wane.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Might be easiest to attach my bio:

Michael Blanchard is an acclaimed photographer, philanthropist, writer, and gallery owner on Martha’s Vineyard. Michael’s unexpected journey occurred after 4 DUI’s, a suicide attempt and over 3 months in both a psychiatric hospital and rehab facility. After reaching a deep bottom, Michael transformed himself into an artist and writer from his previous life as the COO of a large company. His books “Through A Sober Lens” and “Fighting for My Life” have both won prestigious Ben Franklin Awards including “most inscriptional story’ and “best art and photography”. Through the selling of books and calendars, he has raised over $40,000 for addiction treatment over the last 6 years. He has been called “The Ansel Adams of Recovery Photography” by Recovery Today Magazine. He has is MA in Psychology with a focus on substance use disorder and has pioneered the use imagery and the arts in healing. Mike dedicates his life to helping addicts and alcoholics seek help. His podcasts, national radio shows and meetings with parents and families foster hope and understanding in dealing with addiction and mental health disease.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Transitioning from a businessman and chief operating officer to a photographer and recovery advocate required unlearning the mindset that success is solely measured by climbing the corporate ladder and making more money. After four DUIs, and hitting rock bottom with alcoholism,I realized the importance of prioritizing personal growth and giving back to others. I had to unlearn the notion that success is solely defined by material possessions and instead focus on living a fulfilling life that positively impacts those around them. Through my journey as an artist and writer, I learned that true success is measured by the positive impact they have on the world and the people in it. Photography became my new language in connecting to people. Words attached to photos on social media helped families of addicted individuals, and addicts themselves, to better understand the disease and feel less ashamed or alone.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

At the age of 52, my life took a turn for the worse. I was arrested three times for drunk driving within a span of just three months. Feeling hopeless and desperate, I decided to end my life by purchasing Xanax pills. However, my plan was discovered and I was admitted to a psychiatric hospital for three weeks. As part of a plea bargain to avoid a long-term jail sentence, I attended a three-month rehab program upon my release.

Despite the damage I had caused to my family, friends, and my status in the company, my employer, who oversaw a health system with 1000 employees, did not fire me. Instead, they supported me in my efforts to get better. However, I was left with no license and the constant fear of relapse.

Two years into my journey towards recovery, I stumbled upon photography. Despite having no prior experience in the arts, I became obsessed with learning and soon began attaching words to my photos on social media. I shared my story with the hope of helping others who were going through similar struggles. Over time, I gained thousands of followers and touched countless lives.

My journey wasn’t easy, and I had to work hard to rebuild my life and relationships. But by sharing my story and channeling my passion for photography into something positive, I was able to turn my life around and find purpose and fulfillment.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.blanchardphotomv.com
• Instagram: @michaelblanchardmv
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/blanchardphoto

Image Credits
Michael Blanchard Inspirational Photography PO Box 1120 Edgartown, MA 02539 mblanch601@mac.com 617-448-3934 www.blanchardphotomv.com www.facebook.com/blanchardphoto