BORBAY

I am always blown away by who I meet and how we are introduced. In the case of Pat Gallagher, my good friend Jim McClure told me he had an artist friend who painted a picture for Michelle Obama and delivered it in person. Of course, this type of accolade delivers instant credibility.

Still, it wasn’t until I got to know Pat over a few long conversations that I truly came to know the artist, his passion, love for his family and remarkable promotional savvy. After the jump, a Question and Answer session with Pat as he prepares for “Inspirational Irish Women“, a completely commissioned solo show which opens on May 23, 2010, at the Irish Center, 6815 Emlen Street, Philadelphia.

For those who don’t know Pat Gallagher, how about a brief introduction to who you are?

Just some guy who is inspired by strong women.

Tell us about your forthcoming show at Philadelphia’s Irish Center… how did it come about?

After I did a show for the Muhammad Ali Center called the 10 Most Inspirational Women of Louisville I was contacted by The Irish Center of Philadelphia about doing the same thing, except now its 10 Inspirational Irish American Women.

What is the inspiration behind this series of outstanding women?

It really varies…Denise Morrison who is President of Campbell’s Soup is inspiring for her career. In many ways she is a pioneer in her industry. Sister Mary Scullion is one of Time Magazines 100 most influential people in the world. She inspires because she really believes she will cure our world of homelessness…one story after another shows how these ordinary people can do great things.

What is your painting process?

I sit down with each of these women and just talk. We talk about anything they want to talk about. The conversations can get very intense emotionally. People end up just sharing some of there most personal thoughts. I take my feeling from that conversation and put it on the canvas.

Which artists are your greatest source of inspiration?

Borbay of course you got balls and talent the size of a tire swing! I really don’t know much about other artists… even the greats. I love how Picasso was a master at promotion,  I have seen some of Dali’s work and thought how cool…LeRoy Neimen is a true gentleman. I spent time with him here in Kentucky, and at the Kentucky Derby. Just a cool guy who complimented me on my work…

Can you write a brief poem describing your thought process as you create?

I fall in love as much as my wife will let..this is a woman I will never forget..so cool and kind if she only knew..the power she has is so incredibly true…in a world where things are so out of whack… this is a woman who has got my back… It’s their wants, desires and pain I feel…it sounds corny but it’s very real. I see them for who they  are… no matter, hips, breast nor scar… I love her for your mistakes and all… in my mind she is 10 feet tall…. she’s not perfect, that I know, but damn there is something that makes her glow! Its that glow I want to see… for it’s in that glow I can be me… Once I got, it’s there forever… I must move… maybe now I will paint her in leather…

If you were writing a one sentence recap of your past ten years in 2020, how would it read?

The road to insanity or bliss..

Did I see a picture of you with the Obama’s on your website? Tell us more…

I painted Michelle, Barack saw it and liked it..He called me a stud when we met….When Michelle came to town I brought it to her…she freaked out over it… now its in the Whitehouse… I recently got a nice note from them… very cool indeed…