Kevin Daly

So why are you trying to become an artist now? That's a good question that, at first, I wasn't too sure of myself. I went to the countries best medical school and have had a successful career in medicine for the last twenty years, so why art now? I've thought about this a lot and answering this question led me to look back as far as my childhood to know how to answer it. If you're reading this I am sorry it is so long but I think it will explain better what my art is all about.

Sometimes the things we choose to do for the next 10-20 years can be based on a few distinct moments in our lives. I was a very introverted and socially awkward child. In retrospect I would probably have met criteria for high functioning autism (Aspergers). Childhood was a lonely time for me and acceptance from my peers provided a strong positive feedback but was also very elusive. There were many talents I found in myself growing up. I loved science and math and spent a lot of my free time learning more. I also enjoyed drawing and painting and was pretty good at it. When it came to art there were some things I still remember that led me away from art. I still remember my first grade teacher berating me for my poor coloring, crossing the lines too often. In fourth grade I was humiliated by my fourth grade teacher for my lousy penmanship. Lastly, in high school I never really fitted in with the "art kids" and even though I tried hard, I got a B in art class. I know a B isn't bad, but to me that told me I didn't possess anything special when it came to art. What I did find in high school is that I was a whiz as a computer programmer. It came easy to me and satisfied some of my creative desire the same way art did. It provided a social outlet as well since many sought my help with their work and were impressed by what I could do. That positive feedback led me to choose Computer Science as my college major and eventual career.

I did well in my studies in college and worked as a software engineer for five years after college. College and work helped me get outside my wall. While I was still introverted I gained a lot of social skills during that time. I had friends, eventually married, and was a very integral part of my development team at my job. I gained a lot of confidence during this time. One day, at lunch, I was sitting with a friend talking about our jobs and what else we would want to do if we could. At that one moment, for the first time, I reconsidered where I was and where I wanted to go. I opened myself up to any possibility and considered what I loved about my work and what was lacking. From that conversation, I choose to drop everything and pursue a career in medicine. I continued to work and take pre-med classes for two years and was eventually accepted to Yale Medical School.

I eventually graduated and choose a career in emergency medicine. I've been practicing for twenty years now in California where I grew up. Throughout this time I would still draw and paint on occasion for myself or to make a gift for a family member. Emergency medicine, while very satisfying, is a very chaotic and fast paced specialty. After twenty years I began to think of a life after emergency medicine. What do I want to do when I eventually take down the shingle? For reasons still unknown to me I found that I began painting more and more over the past few years. Maybe something subconscious in me saying, "This is what you should be doing after medicine". It was the one thing I loved doing as a child that I really never pursued. Over the last year I found a satisfaction in creating art that has led me to choose this as my next and probably final pursuit.

What I found so satisfying about art is the emotional journey I take when I make a piece of art. While at first I began painting things that I found beautiful in nature, predominantly landscapes, I also found that painting could actually change myself. I find a peace in painting and insight into the world and myself in the process of creating art. My art has evolved from landscapes to art that says something about the world or life as I see it. Before each piece, I will wait for inspiration. Sometimes it's a patient I see in the ER, sometimes it occurs when meditating, or while driving through the desert as the sun is rising. In those pieces I try to take my feelings and put them on canvas. Some of my art is spiritual and some of it is commentary on the world or injustice. I was never formally trained as an artist and do not have an in-depth knowledge of the masters. I kind of want to keep it that way, if that makes sense? I want my art to be a part of me and not necessarily reflect the influence of others. I will educate myself to the extent that I need to create what I envision but I want to limit my outside influences to keep my art as organic as possible. Hopefully that doesn't come off as arrogance. I am actually humbled by the masters so this is why I don't want to do anything that would seem to be me trying to paint like them.

Not all my art is a commentary on the world or human existence. I will still paint the occasional landscape or something whimsical. I will experiment with different techniques or perspectives too. I recently watched a documentary on Neil Young and thought to myself that I want to create art like he creates music. Not restrict myself to any particular genre. Not let what I created before dictate what I will create next. It's maybe not the best formula for commercial success, but it's how I want to do things. I hope my art will touch people, make them feel something, or think about things they haven't given much thought to.

I think this is it? There haven't been any stones I've left unturned. As I wind down my career in medicine over the next decade, I will spend the remainder of my days creating art and enjoying my life with my family. I would like to think that those who buy my art or simply enjoy looking at my paintings are taking this journey with me.