We recently had the chance to connect with Patrick Geil and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Patrick, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I have spent the last two years writing a novel that I feel called to traditionally publish. This project is incredibly personal to me, and though it is adult fiction, it is filled with moments that I have lived. My manuscript dives into the grit and compassion of the professional American fire service along with the baggage that it carries. In the past, I have pseudo-self published several picture books because I did not want to engage in the grind of finding a literary agent or face repeated rejections. Because of this projects message, it needs a bigger reach.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a North Carolina Artist who was trained in Interdisciplinary Visual Arts. This means that I work across mediums and genres. Whatever form I am creating in, I aim to capture a feeling, a mood, or a moment. From branding to logo design, from illustration to commissions, I bring creativity and visual storytelling across various platforms.
In addition to being an artist, I spent a significant period of my life as a professional firefighter and emergency medical responder as well. Following a career ending, on-the-job injury, which involved a Traumatic Brain Injury, I have rebranded to focus more on my creative ventures. I have created a series of abstracted landscape acrylic paintings that focused on the sequelli from my injuries.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
As a professional firefighter, I saw myself as a servant to those in need. I loved my job and found so much of my identity in that trade. In January 2022, 400 pounds of equipment fell on top of me, due to a fire engine’s mechanical failure that had no failsafe. This ultimately ended this large portion of my life. Due to the tragic injuries that I suffered, I had to release a profession that I did well and took tremendous pride in. As an artist, I was able to use my artwork to process my loss and find new purpose. The act of creating something new has served my like art therapy and has been incredible on my path of healing.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. Among my many afflictions, I received a traumatic brain injury in my left frontal lobe. I endured difficulties with executive function, impulse control, and dramatic mood and behavioral swings. Ultimately, it felt like my mind had been hijacked. I spent weeks deeply paranoid and then weeks in a manic state. Stints of anger or depression or anxiety also took turns but it wasn’t me driving. The love and support of my family was the only reason that I made it through these times. Without them, I would have given up. Having worked as a medical responder for hundreds of emergency calls for mental health crisis’, my journey gave me a new understanding for the role our brain takes in our everyday health.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
I believe in human relationship over business or financial gain. I will always place my wife and kids above my work. I have seen the fruits of a intentionally built career be lost in a moment. The dollars or things that we juggle only distract us from the moments of being present with those that we love.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
In this chapter of my life, I am pushing my creative work further than ever before. I think that some wisdom has come with age, or through dealing with losses but the praise of others has lost so much of its weight.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.PGeilArtwork.com
- Instagram: .PGeilArtwork
Image Credits
Patrick Geil
