Robert Wyland's Email & Phone Number

📖 Summary

Robert Wyland is an American artist known for his stunning underwater-themed murals and sculptures that capture the beauty and majesty of marine life. Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1956, Wyland's passion for the ocean and its inhabitants began at an early age. After moving to California with his family, he spent much of his childhood exploring the beaches and coastline, where he developed a deep appreciation for the natural world. This fascination with the sea would later become the focus of his artistic endeavors, as he sought to raise awareness about the importance of preserving our oceans and marine ecosystems.

Wyland's artistic talents were evident from a young age, and he began painting and drawing as a child. He attended the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit and later studied at the prestigious Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles. It was during his time in California that Wyland began to merge his love of art with his fascination for the ocean, creating large-scale murals and paintings that depicted marine life in all its glory. His early works focused on capturing the vibrant colors and intricate details of sea creatures, from dolphins and whales to sea turtles and colorful fish. These early pieces set the stage for the iconic style that would define Wyland's career as an artist.

In 1981, Wyland completed his first large-scale mural, a breathtaking depiction of a humpback whale on the side of a building in Laguna Beach, California. This mural marked the beginning of what would become Wyland's lifelong mission to create 100 monumental marine life murals around the world. These murals have not only transformed the landscapes of cities and towns around the globe, but have also drawn attention to the fragility of our oceans and the need for conservation efforts. Wyland's work has been instrumental in bringing together communities, sparking conversations about environmental issues, and inspiring people to take action to protect our planet.

One of Wyland's most notable achievements is the "Whaling Walls" project, which began in 1981 and spanned over four decades. This ambitious initiative aimed to create 100 life-sized marine life murals in cities across the globe, from the United States and Mexico to Australia and Japan. Each mural depicted a different marine animal, from whales and dolphins to sea turtles and sharks, and was designed to celebrate the beauty of ocean life while also drawing attention to the need for ocean conservation. The "Whaling Walls" project was a massive undertaking, requiring countless hours of planning, painting, and collaboration with local communities. Through this project, Wyland not only showcased his incredible artistic talent, but also used his work as a platform to advocate for marine conservation on a global scale.

In addition to his murals, Wyland has also created a wide range of sculptures, paintings, and photographs that celebrate the beauty and diversity of marine life. His sculptures, in particular, are renowned for their impressive scale and attention to detail, with many pieces depicting whales, dolphins, and other sea creatures in their natural habitats. His paintings often feature vibrant underwater scenes, with colorful coral reefs, schools of fish, and other marine elements that capture the imagination and inspire a sense of wonder. Through his artwork, Wyland invites viewers to immerse themselves in the enchanting world beneath the waves, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the ocean and all its inhabitants.

In addition to his artistic pursuits, Wyland is also a dedicated environmental activist who has used his platform to raise awareness about the urgent need for ocean conservation. Through the Wyland Foundation, a non-profit organization he established in 1993, Wyland has initiated numerous educational programs, community events, and public art projects to promote environmental stewardship and inspire people to take action to protect our oceans. The foundation's mission is to "teach millions of people around the world to become caring, informed stewards of our oceans, rivers, lakes, estuaries, and wetlands" by using art as a catalyst for change. Through the foundation, Wyland has developed initiatives such as "Clean Water for a Healthy World," which aims to educate and empower communities to take responsibility for the health and cleanliness of their local waterways.

Wyland's impact on the art world and environmental conservation efforts has been widely recognized and celebrated. His work has been exhibited in museums, galleries, and public spaces around the world, and he has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the arts and the environment. In 1993, Wyland was named the official artist for the United Nations Environmental Program's Global 2000, and in 2010, he received the International Seakeepers Society's SeaKeeper Award for his dedication to ocean conservation. He has also been commissioned to create artwork for a wide range of organizations and institutions, including the Smithsonian Institution, the United Nations, and the U.S. Olympic Team.

As an artist, activist, and visionary, Robert Wyland has made an indelible mark on the world, using his talent and passion to promote the conservation and protection of our oceans. His murals, sculptures, and paintings serve as powerful reminders of the beauty and diversity of marine life, while also inspiring people to take action to preserve our natural world for future generations. Through his art and advocacy, Wyland has demonstrated the transformative power of creativity in sparking positive change, and his legacy will continue to inspire and educate people around the world for years to come.