Patrick Whelan
Artist’s Statement
“Inside every face is a reflection of all humanity.
Look into another person’s face and on some level you will always see yourself.
My work intends to demonstrate this. Whispering from within the modeled textures
of charcoal or paint is always a voice; a voice of yearning or regret, of loss or triumph.
And it tells a story, your story ... listen ...”
Artist’s Bio
Patrick Whelan remembers walking into a room when
he was about 5 years old. Mesmerized by a portrait series
his uncle had painted, he found them magical.
A passionate and devoted artist, Mr. Whelan remains captivated by the
magic of creation. He began illustrating for magazines while a student continuing
to expand his career with clients that have included: Random House,
Bantam-Doubleday-Dell, Harper Collins, Simon & Schuster, Tor Books,
A&E Television and many others. Among Mr. Whelan’s hundreds of illustrations
are a dozen Nancy Drew book covers. His work is featured in
volumes 3 and 13 of the ‘Spectrum Book of Fantastic Art.’
Mr. Whelan's evocative and romantic fine art reflects the natural evolution
of a talented and gifted career. His exquisitely crafted original oils
and limited edition prints are enjoyed in private collections
across the United States and in Europe.
Patrick Whelan is a 1991 honors graduate of the
Laguna College of Art and Design.
Speech to college donors at Big Canyon Country Club May 1991
by Patrick Whelan
This is the very first speech I've ever given anywhere. I avoided the speech requirement in college by taking an acting class instead. The nice thing about acting is that you don't have to take responsibility for anything you say because you can always blame it on your character. Even if you're nervous it's ok--you can just say you're playing a nervous character. When it comes down to it, I guess the best way to get through a speech is simply to talk abut something you really believe in.
There are a couple of reasons why I decided to do this. One--I really believe in the college--I believe in its present direction and in its faculty, whom I think are top notch. Two--I feel a deep sense of appreciation for the people behind the scenes--most of whom I've never met--who have provided much needed financial support and who helped to make my education possible.
In my four years at the Art Institute* I have watched the college grow and mature; and I feel that I have grown along with it. With the help and encouragement of an experienced and dedicated faculty I have polished my skills and also, broadened my insights into the fascinating and mysterious adventure of art.
I went to the college with an attitude that my education was not just a right to be taken for granted, but a privilege to be fought for and earned every time I stepped into the classroom. My first year I had to sell my keyboards and my motorcycle to make my tuition and I was literally hanging on for dear life financially. Going to school full time and also, working a demanding schedule on the outside created a kind of stress that gave me pause to wonder sometimes if I was gong to make it through.
I recall a couple of years ago when I was experiencing a private spell of self-doubt, I happened upon this plain white envelop in my school mail-box with my name miss-spelled on the front of it. Enclosed was a brief note. It said, "You are good. This is to help you continue." I unfolded the note and inside was a hundred dollar bill. To this day, I have no idea who put that there, but what that person did was to cast a powerful vote of confidence that made a difference in my life.
And I told this story to illustrate a principle; because what the donors to the college are doing is making a big difference in a lot of lives.
Nations, countries, civilizations come and go. Rome conquered most of the known western world, but what is left of Rome? What is left of Rome are her contributions to culture. That ultimately, is the final legacy that all great nations leave. Support of the arts is an investment in the heart -- the spirit of our civilization.
I would like to close with a quote from E.M.Forster -- "Art? I should think so, and more so than ever at the present time. It is the cry of a thousand sentinels, the echo from a thousand labyrinths, it is the lighthouse which cannot be hidden...it is the best evidence we can give of our dignity."
*Now known as 'The Laguna College of Art and Design'
|
