Michael Pelletier Research Paper

As a federal prisoner, artist Michael Pelletier began painting as a way to lose himself. At least in his mind, art has the power to take him away from the concrete, cold surroundings of his cell, even if just for moments. However, it did not take long for him to see that painting gave him more than an imaginary vacation, but a reason for existing. Art literally saved his life from dissipating through the cracks of the justice system. The path to discovering his talent began many moons before prison or his first painting.
Michael was born in 1956 and grew up in the state of Main on a potato farm. Like any typical farming family, he and his siblings helped with the chores. Unfortunately, while working on the fields, Michael suffered a tragic farming accident at the age of 11. Consequently he is a paraplegic and confined to a wheelchair. Somehow, despite the trauma to his physical and emotional being, Michael rose above his circumstances. He maintained a positive outlook on life and to this day inspires those who know him. …show more content…
He wanted to be a productive member of his community. By all accounts, allowing his wheelchair to be a limitation was not an option for Michael. However, Maintaining a good outlook on life from the vantage point of a wheelchair must not have been easy. Pain was now part of his daily life. Michael tried a variety of medications, but felt little relief. Not realizing the depth in which his life would change, one day he tried cannabis. He discovered it was the only thing that brought him comfort without the unpleasant side effects of pharmaceuticals. One thing led to another, then in 2007, his efforts to better his life and rid himself of physical and emotional shackles from the childhood accident came to a screeching halt. Michael was sentenced to life in prison without the chance of