Much of Michael’s biography as an artist can be found in the nearby descriptions of specific books and photo projects. What remains is the all-too-typical story of a man with a strong creative imagination struggling to find his path in a world where people are reeling from sensory overload. At times, key life experiences—like finding and keeping a job or raising a daughter—can seem like obstacles to his real calling.

Fortunately, Eloise helped Michael see a way forward. As she notes above, they made a living writing marketing materials for investment companies and medical biotechs. Michael co-authored Success by Ten, the business autobiography of pension-fund pioneer George Russell; this was his first published book.

Their daughter, Giuliana, is now an aerial artist and performer. Being with her as she learned and struggled and found her own way, Michael asserts, “was the experience of life time.” He recalls a spring morning in New York City when Giuliana was three, and the family was visiting the Museum of Modern Art. Michael was steering Giuliana as she attempted to jump into the ponds in the sculpture garden. They walked past a café table where a well-dressed man was sitting; the man took off his hat, saluting Giuliana; in a European accent, he said to Michael, “You, sir, are a great artist.”