Michaels Lyric
San Francisco, CA
Creating art is a wondrous journey. I never know where it will take me, but I get to share the end-result with anyone that feels my vibe."
Michaels Lyric (he/him/his) lives a life of creative innovation. His artistic discipline has guided him to become a successful author and artist, accomplishing these feats with only the use of his voice. Michaels has a severe form of Cerebral Palsy quadriplegic, meaning he does not have the use of his arms or legs. He has not allowed his disability to stop him from achieving his dreams. Additionally, he is recognized as the first author to write and publish a book only using voice recognition software since 1998. He uses the same software to create his artwork, write poetry, and produce original electronic music.
Michaels describes his visual art process as "Sculpture Photography." He begins by collecting unwanted images taken by friends and family, often feeling and exploring the connection of the undervalued. “Many times I have been labeled as ‘damaged goods’, feeling ignored and unwanted. I take the ignored photos, the unwanted photos, and turn them into beautiful paintings, paintings so bright, so warm with love that they can be ignored no longer.” Once an image has been selected, Michaels begins to sculpt it into what he sees and feels in it, writing a new narrative. This process takes weeks as each slight adjustment requires a complex string of voice commands.
Born in Moscow, Michaels first creative expression was through writing short stories and poetry. Visual art came to him later in life. “Change provides choices, opportunities,” Michaels reflects, “Change is neutral, and so it is up to me to give it a positive or a negative meaning.”
“I think that ArtLifting is the best example for all other organizations. When helping someone, the number one goal is to use their skills and talents, so they can help themselves.” He continues, “ That is exactly what ArtLifting does. It is important for me to be part of ArtLifting because I believe that my skills and talents are good enough to be a fully contributing member of this society, and that my current situation is just a case of major miscommunication.”
