A lifetime of Inspiration, A wealth of Knowledge
Patric Ryan, born March 28, 1942 in Chatham Ontario is an artist of many mediums who refuses to limit his ability and interests, and instead has spread his artistic career to encompass painting, sculpture, drawing, pottery, print making, writing, and skilled crafts including wood working and boat building.
An entrepreneurial father and a supportive mother lead him through many changing surroundings and many new schools in his early years. The frequent moves and constantly changing surroundings bore into him an unmistakable ability to adapt to new circumstances and draw inspiration from both life and play. The malleable nature of his childhood would later transcend itself on his outlook of life and ultimately in his art work.
His love of water and boats was born onto the shores of Lake Erie where he spent many summers with his Grandfather. Here, a yet unexplainable connection was formed as Patric learned the ways of the water and could nurture a fascination that would drastically shape the rest of his life.
Blessed with athletic ability, intelligence, charisma, and obvious artistic talents, the young man had the world at his fingertips. Later, four years at the University of Western Ontario would give him ample time to begin his experimentation with theatre, music, writing, and painting, while studying English and History. His interests in his studies lead him towards a brief, yet satisfying career as a teacher at the high school level, during which he expanded on the theatrical elements of writing, design, and direction. Although he was a successful teacher, eventually the need to fulfill his creative urges would negate the benefits of a regular paycheck, and Patric decided to open a studio and art gallery in an abandoned fisheries building, returning to Lake Erie.
Although he attempted several different career paths, he never discovered a forte beyond art. Even the prestigious positions of a steam ship Captain and Chief Officer of a cruise ship during the 1980’s could not distract him from his artistic endeavors.
With his new bride, two dogs, and one boat-loving cat in tow, Patric set off on the most inspiring and influential trip he would ever make. Their interest in boats was leading them to the rocky shores and cozy out ports of Newfoundland.
The stories of a bleak, rain-soaked, battered coast were quickly shattered as Patric and family were met with unimaginable hospitality, delightful people, picturesque landscapes and a powerful, unpredictable Ocean. Patric was instantly drawn to this peaceful, self-sufficient way of life.
Sketchbook in hand, he set about capturing the essence of East Coast living – methodically scribbling down scenes of fishing villages precariously perched on jagged shores, skillful craftsmen constructing great wooden vessels by hand, sturdy women hanging washing on a windy day, or derelict vehicles left to rust where they broke down.
Photographs were taken, notes were made, friendships bonded, memories held fast and a task completed – Patric and Dorie would make their voyage home on their refurbished piece of East Coast history – ‘The Naaman J. Humpy’, aptly named after one of their favourite new friends. They went for a broken old fishing schooner and returned with sails full of inspiration, and an experience which would shape Patric’s art for years to come.
To this day Patric has chosen to re-live that memorable voyage through his sketches and ultimately by creating large, vibrant acrylic paintings of the beloved coastline. Patric’s unique insight into the often misrepresented way of life comes from the inquisitive nature of a non-native, immersed in a culture which he could appreciate and respect enough to observe without bias or preconceived notions. Every image he illustrates tells a story from the perspective of someone who truly understands the situations. His several novels, which often embrace Newfoundland characters and lifestyles, a fishing business, and a time consuming hobby of building wooden boats in the traditional art, are all products of his East Coast fascination.
Despite his relentless pursuit of the East Coast lifestyle, Patric has chosen to reside along the beautiful Bruce Peninsula where he has managed to raise a family, build a fifth sailboat, write numerous novels and screenplays, and all the while continues to produce true to life representations of his Newfoundland memories.
For Patric, art is not conveying a message; it is reliving an experience and plunging into an abyss of endless opportunities and future journeys. “The brushwork, the colour, the possible accidents, the fun, the flare – that’s what’s important to me and what I’ll always come back to.”
