Michael Blanchard

I came to Martha’s Vineyard as a part-time resident nearly 15 years ago. Two years later, in 2010, I entered a treatment program for alcohol addiction. I lost nearly everything, including my family, my financial assets, and my soul. As part of my recovery and healing, I taught myself the workings of cameras and the process of “creating” images after learning of an individual who found the artistic process liberating and helpful with his severe depression. Photography has been a key to my sobriety. I consider myself an “inspirational photographer” and find photography a spiritual source of strength and healing.

When I make it to a Vineyard location at 4 in the morning to catch the sunrise, I use the camera and the moment to clear all problems of daily life and I experience each sense to the fullest. Capturing the images of those moments becomes an expression of the happiness and serenity I feel in the absence of alcohol. Having been an alcoholic for thirty years, I feel like a kid who has been exposed to joy for the first time and those feelings serve as the focus of the images I choose to take. The creative process will always be a part of my philosophy of taking life “one day at a time” and living in the moment. If others feel the same joy in looking at my captures, all the better.

In October of 2104 I wrote Fighting for my Life: Finding Hope and Serenity on Martha’s Vineyard, a book on my story of recovery. I sold all 2500 copies and the second edition is in process. The book’s proceeds allowed me to donate $5,000 to the Martha’s Vineyard Community Services New Paths Addiction Treatment program, and I continue to raise funds as part of service work. In December of 2019 I published my second nook: Through A Sober Lens: A Photographer's Journey. A Ben Franklin award winner for interior design and inspirational stories. It rose to number 2 here on Amazon for Landscape Photography and the top 20 for substance use and alcohol recovery.

Sobriety cannot continue without a focus on giving back to others and maintaining a sense of community. In addition to my photographic work, I recently received my Master's Degree in Psychology with a focus on Substance Use Disorder. I opened my very own Gallery on Martha's Vineyard called The Crossroads Gallery. My dreams have come true. It is a healing place. In addition to selling my photographs, calendars and books, I share stories and help others facing the disease of addiction. I am truly blessed. Thank you for visiting my page!