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"I am happier, and more fulfilled than I have ever been." How many of us can honestly say that? More amazing is that the author is paralyzed from the neck down. As a result of amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS), he cannot move his arms or legs, nor is he able to speak or to breathe without a ventilator. So what makes 42 year old Mike Bougher, in his own words, "blissful"?
"As my body has weakened to the point of being simply a support system for my brain, I have become more in tune with my soul, the world has more meaning, and my appetite for and ability to comprehend new knowledge has grown. Recently I have developed a passion for digital painting," says Bougher.
Before increasing physical challenges forced him to retire in 2002, Mike Bougher worked as a process control system designer and project manager. He had little experience as an artist. Later, confined to a wheelchair, Bougher was inspired by seeing digital photo-realist Bert Monroy on T.V. This was the beginning of an incredible inward journey.
On his birthday in 2004, Mike’s wife Jen arranged a surprise visit from Monroy. "We have been friends ever since," Bougher declares. "I used to think of him as a celebrity in the art world, but now he is just my buddy. We swap paintings, stay in touch via email, and he gives me pointers as I complete pieces."
Many who see Mike’s works of art believe they are made from photographs, or are a product of a "paint-by-numbers" system. In fact the paintings contain no photos or scans, but are created from scratch.
They often portray landscapes which, despite his limitations, Mike visits several times to gather details. "Most recently I have been painting abstracts. Because I no longer have an audible voice, I get great satisfaction expressing…inner thoughts. Lately I start with a strong emotion, play music that enhances that feeling or concept, and begin to paint. I enjoy the creativity that is flowing through me."
Bougher has now completely lost the use of his arms. "These paintings were created using only my head. I use a standard desktop PC with a 21-inch flat panel monitor, a Tracker 2000 head mouse, and a small switch mounted to an old telephone headset. By moving my head side to side and up and down I can move the cursor on the screen. To click the mouse button, I activate a small switch next to my face by bulging my cheek - bullfrog style. I was already a decent computer user because my previous job required computer skills. Operating the head mouse…just required a little extra practice."
Contrary to what you might think, Mike Bougher believes that ALS has improved his life in many ways. "I used to be a workaholic. I was so focused on my job and it’s responsibilities that I didn’t recognize the value of my relationships with family and friends, or pause long enough to understand the beauty and diversity of the human experience. My life is truly more rich and full now than during any previous time. This experience has taught me the secrets of enjoying life, regardless of circumstances.
"I would like to use my [artwork] to show ALS patients that life can still be fulfilling even in the later stages of the disease." No doubt, he has done that already.
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“This experience has taught me the secrets of enjoying life, regardless of circumstances.” Mike Bougher
Mike Bougher, left, and Bert Monroy
"Kindness" by Mike Bougher
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The ALS Association Greater Bay Area Chapter
