Meet the Artist - Miguel

Creativity has always been a part of my life, though my artistic pursuits were often sporadic and inconsistent. From painting landscapes to sketching for my children, art was a casual hobby. However, after retiring from the Army and transitioning to Federal service, I rediscovered art as a powerful tool for healing and self-expression. This renewed artistic focus has become instrumental in processing the complex emotions and experiences from my military service that words alone struggle to capture.

Through my work, I externalize internal struggles, creating a visual language for lingering memories and emotions. This creative outlet has become integral to my identity and healing journey. The canvas provides a safe space to confront and process challenging aspects of my military experiences, resulting in both intense images and hopeful, resilient ones.

Creating art brings me peace and fulfillment, serving as a form of meditation that allows me to focus on the present and find beauty amid chaos. It has helped me reconnect with parts of myself I thought lost and reclaim my individuality beyond the uniform.

For veterans like me, art can be a powerful tool for processing experiences, finding meaning in our service, and bridging the gap between our military past and civilian present. My artistic journey has become about personal expression while moving towards a future filled with renewed purpose.

Now through my work I aim to promote wellbeing, positivity, and creativity, with the goal of making a positive impact on others.