Art Gives Michael an Outlet to Express his Feelings and Experiences

Purple Heart recipient Michael Passmore finds his artistic expressions have grown since suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI). A Marine, Michael’s TBI resulted from exposure to an IED blast while on a tour of duty. “My art comes from undefined but strong feelings,” he shared. “I often start with an original sketch and then scan it into a computer and add digitized images.”

When Michael moved to Colorado from California he found managing the details of everyday life a challenge. “I called Operation TBI Freedom and all that changed,” he stated. “My care coordinator, Fredia, has been a great support when I have questions.” Fredia found financial resources to help Michael make his mortgage, vehicle and car insurance payments, and she obtained a cell phone for him.

One recent artistic creation that Michael titled “State of Chaos” demonstrates his unique style. He begins with his sketch of a tranquil impressionistic face. Once he scans it into his computer as a baseline, he adds overlays of color and shape. “I am an abstract artist; I use symbolism to convey feeling,” he explained. The GI Bill is paying for his studies at The Art Institute of Colorado, and Michael hopes to apply his talent in two very specific ways: video games and animation.

Michael still struggles with memory loss, fatigue and other TBI symptoms, but his art provides a positive area of growth. He anticipates he will have his BA in art in three years. Pablo Picasso once said, “Painting is just another way of keeping a diary.” For Michael Passmore, traditional art and digital expressions combine to tell us the story of his experiences.

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Learn more about Operation TBI Freedom.