Albin Veselka
Born in 1979 in Wyoming and living most of my life in Idaho my interest in art came at about six years old. I am very grateful to my parents who were instrumental in encouraging my interest and development in art even when resources were scarce.
In 2006 I received my BFA from Brigham Young University Idaho. I credit the knowledgeable and student oriented faculty of the BYUI art department for giving me “the tools all representational artist must have to open the door to communicating in the visual arts”. Early in my career I also received direction which helped me break into the gallery scene while I was a college student. Since then I have continued in developing and have been blessed to receive recognition and honors that have aided my progress; most recently of which was my induction into the Cowboy Artists of America.
My career has been a continual learning experience as I find inspiration in a variety of subject matter and working methods. Over my career I’ve painted a variety of subjects, but the work that brings me the most satisfaction is narrative work that brings people, landscape, animals, and the story of my heritage together. Art of the historical American West fits those needs the most directly, so it has become my principle area of focus in recent years. I find new things to appreciate in my surroundings, in history and stories and in masters both living and deceased. Some of the artists that have influenced me the most are Nicolai Fechin, Abram Arkhipov, Joaquin Serolla, Dean Cornwell, Frank Tenney Johnson, Richard Schmid, Carl Rungius, Carolyn Anderson, Alphonse Mucha, Emil Carlson, Mike Malm and Leon Parson.
I currently live in Franklin Idaho with my wife Jenee and our four children where I paint full time. My family supports what I do for a living, patiently dealing with all the ups and downs of living with and being provided for by an artist, and they inspire my work which also allows me to be free to spend time with them when they need it most instead of being tied down to a schedule set by someone else.
For me a high purpose in art is enriching the lives of others. There is something of the divine that comes through the work of one who has mastered his mode of expression and who has something good to say. When that message comes through and awakens something within the viewer that improves his or her life; that, I believe, is the higher purpose of art. That is the intent of my work.
