Patrick G.

Damnation in the Flicker: The Eternal Strain of Ambition’s Flame
Credit: Patrick G.Artist Bio

Patrick is a self-taught artist and a student in his final year of the Master’s program in Art Therapy at Lewis & Clark College. Currently interning at an alternative high school, he works with a diverse group of systematically disenfranchised students, including those from various ethnic backgrounds, life experiences, and special education. Patrick’s work fosters positive life changes by helping individuals develop self-regulation, relationship skills, and a stronger sense of identity through creative expression. Emphasizing relational therapeutic dynamics, he creates safe spaces that honor each person’s unique identity, promoting self-improvement and growth. His work is shaped by his academic journey and personal experiences, using art as a tool for emotional expression, healing, and transformation.

Artist Statement

My artwork reflects the ancient myths that have long shaped human understanding, particularly the stories of Icarus and Phaethon. Through surrealism, I explore how these timeless tales unveil the internal struggles we all face—the tension between ambition and self-awareness. Both Icarus and Phaethon sought greatness, yet their desires led to destruction. Icarus burned his wings by flying too high, and Phaethon’s reckless pursuit led to his downfall. These stories are mirrors of our own fatal flaws. I use these myths to question how we navigate our pursuit of success while recognizing our limitations. Like Icarus, we must learn to avoid extremes: soar too high, and we burn; stay too low, and we drown. My work examines the dangers of unchecked ambition and the need for balance in a world that often celebrates excess. Grief, like the myths themselves, strips away our naivety, leaving behind a raw awareness of our place in the world. We must not boast of our successes nor drown in misfortune. Instead, we must embrace our gifts, recognize our limitations, and honor the delicate balance between self-preservation and self-destruction. Through my art, I invite you to reflect on your own ambitions, identity, and place in the surreal world we navigate together.

Title: “ Damnation in the Flicker: The Eternal Strain of Ambition’s Flame”
Media: 18’x24’ mixed media paper, micron fine liner pens (size 003), black brush markers, and white gel pens (bold and fine)

Title: “Gravity’s Judgement: The Fall into the Quicksand of Self-Destruction”
Media: 18’x24’ mixed media paper, micron fine liner pens (size 003), black brush markers, and white gel pens (bold and fine)