June, 2026 CAVARTS Spotlight Feature #2: Michael Diaz Saule
A Veteran of both the U.S. Marine Corps during the Gulf War and the Army Reserve during the Global War on Terror, Michael has long been surrounded by creativity through a family rooted in music and visual art. Drawn especially to photography, he uses his camera to capture meaningful moments, unique perspectives, and the quiet beauty found in nature.
His black-and-white photograph, Gooseberry Falls, MN, reflects his belief that life moves quickly and reminds us to pause and appreciate the world around us. Through photography, songwriting classes, and the Guitar 4 Vets program, Michael continues exploring creative expression while finding connection, healing, and a sense of belonging through the CAVARTS community.
Name:
Michael Diaz Saule
Branch of service:
USMC/USAR
About:
A Marine Veteran of the Gulf War and an Army Reserve Veteran during the GWOT, my family has a history of artistic expression. I have an Uncle who is a musician and another who was an artist on canvas.
I have some ability to draw, but I have been drawn to music and photography. My photography battles with my depression but I have tried to make it work at times.
Title of Piece:
Gooseberry Falls, MN
Medium of Piece:
Black and White Photography
Meaning Behind Piece:
Finding nature, even in black and white has immense beauty. And time flows like a water fall, you need to stop what you’re doing and enjoy it.
What inspires you to create art?:
In photography, it’s about capturing that moment that I see, the beauty and awe of the moment to share with others. Sometimes it’s a unique glimpse into a perspective that I see.
I am now learning to express myself musically. But that is for another day.
What part of your life has benefited the most from your creative pursuits?:
I used to want to sell my photos, but I have become fully aware of how difficult that is. So now I want to share it as long as I get recognition for it.
It allows me to go out and share my experiences and what I see and feel with others.
Is it important for you to challenge yourself in your art? Tell us why or why not!:
It used to be but the real challenge was to climb out of my depression enough to take my equipment with me. From then it’s okay, but my passion is constantly on the back burner. And I want to find ways to capture my feelings when I am down but haven’t figured out how to do that yet.
What is your process or ritual to get your creativity flowing?:
When I have my camera, or even my phone, if I see something that attracts my interest, it’s not about just taking a photo, it’s about finding an angle or perspective that I feel is what has resonated with me. Post processing a photo is something I would rather do minimally.
What does CAVARTS mean to you?:
CAVARTS is so far a blessing that I have been looking for. It’s difficult for me to be open with people, especially civilians, but here, I feel a sense of belonging. It’s still difficult because my time is from a different era but it’s here that I both enjoy others' works and hopefully share more of mine.
Our monthly theme is Celebrating Summer, but Michael submitted this when we were celebrating Songwriting for the Soul. Here’s what he had planned:
I am currently enrolled in songwriting classes. I'm looking for singing classes but I want to express myself musically on what I am feeling inside. I am also enrolled in the Guitars 4 Vets program going on week two.
What words of inspiration do you have for your fellow CAVARTists?:
If you have had an interest in something but didn’t know where to start, keep looking and asking, eventually you will find someone who shares your interest and even someone who can help you with your journey.
