He was unemployed, debilitated by pain and nearly homeless. This is how Army Veteran Michael Jones described his life just a few years ago. Today he is an artist, a teacher, operations director and curator for the Marilyn Rose Center, an art gallery in Indianapolis.
As an Army combat and helicopter flight medic, Jones saw a lot of action, but he had no pain until one day in 2017. Standing in a store, he coughed, “and I blew out my disc,” he shared. The excruciating pain rendered him disabled.
His pain escalated after a spinal fusion and doctors told Jones it would never go away.
“It was pretty rough, realizing that this pain was going to be forever. I was a pretty angry guy. I lost my job. I lost my insurance. I got divorced. I had nothing,” he said.
“It’s been the most amazing journey.”
Jones packed up and moved home to Indianapolis. When his mother suggested the Indianapolis VA, he wasn’t sure he qualified. “They said, ‘Yes, we’ll help you,’ and from that day on, it’s been the most amazing journey.”
At the Indianapolis YMCA VA clinic, Jones received a pain management plan that included Whole Health services such as tai chi and meditation. He also joined a creative arts therapy group, although he had no art experience beyond doodling.
“Somebody brought in alcohol inks and we had tiles. So, we just started painting on them. I posted my paintings online and people were asking if they could buy them,” he said.
Jones was surprised at that response but even more at how he physically felt while painting. “I began to notice that as I painted, I became focused into the piece. It allowed my body to ease up the pain.” When he paints, “It’s the least pain I ever have.”
Jones is now grateful for his back injury because it led to his new vocation as an artist. This year, he judged the annual Veterans Creative Arts Show in Indianapolis, the same show he won in 2019. “I’ve come full circle. This is unreal that I get to do this,” he added.
For more information on how Whole Health can improve your well-being, contact the Whole Health lead at your facility.
Topics in this story
More Stories
Medical center executives join in keeping Dallas VA clean and welcoming for Veterans.
Fisher House offers complimentary lodging for families navigating the complexities of extended medical care.
Veteran and social worker Gordon Roberts received the Medal of Honor for “Gallantry in Action” in Vietnam.
My story is fairly similar, Army Medic,Viet Nam helicopter Med evacs, 100% service connect, total & permanent,
85years old, found relief, & still do making art.
worked with Combat Papermakers, pulped my uniform, made paper from it, Printed photos from my Viet Nam days that no one ever saw for 45 years, as a result they are now in the Library of Congress,
Every day I am committed to my Art.
This is a welcome story, Michael Jones, I salute you, and recommend you contact Drew Matott, & Drew Cameron at
Combat Paper Makers, can’t remember if it’s ( .com, or .org) talk to them to further your art experience. Tell them I reccommended you. Dick Iacovello, Martha’s Vineyard.
I’m so glad to hear how art has enriched your life.
I will definitely contact them
Thank you
Such a heartwarming account of finding an open window after a door closes.
Thank you ?