“Art is the most effective form of communication.”- Jennifer Echols. Art was a helpful medium during Charles Wildbank’s young age to communicate and express since he was born deaf. Being immersed to art not only helped his self-esteem but also led to his development as a great artist. Some of his notable achievements include a giant sparkling rendering of the famed Cartier diamond, portraits of David Hockney and the late Luciano Pavarotti, and two 18-foot-high murals commissioned by the Cunard Line for the new luxury ocean liner, the Queen Mary 2. He is well known for his versatility of a wide range of figurative themes including florals, still life, portraits, and seascapes.

How did art play an important role in your life? Do you want to share any experience from your school life where you thought communication through art helped you?C: For myself, art was then the only means of communication at a young age. It was either pantomime or better, sketching on paper my message across. In due time, my budding talent was recognized by many, particularly within my family, thus was encouraged to pursue art through art lessons over weekends and extra-curricular activities in school such as the highschool yearbook and portraits.

Can you tell us more about the 18-foot-tall murals commissioned by the Cunard Line for the new luxury ocean liner, the Queen Mary 2? How long did it take you to finish theses murals? What was the first reaction from your client when they saw the murals?C: When I purchased my very first computer almost 20 years ago, it was then barely household and utilized by public. I even purchased additional software with it which enabled me to create my first website promoting my art. Before long, I was discovered online by an agency in Europe. The agent emailed me inquiring if I would be interested in painting a pair of large murals for the new Queen Mary 2 oceanliner. Its deadline was set for December 2003 and I had 2 years to complete two large vertical canvases 18 feet high (5 meters). This involved working with their architects in France at the shipyards online for several months pending approval of my proposed sketches. We all agreed on a coastal theme for both Britain and America and for that I chose the rocky cliffs of Monterrey, California and the white cliffs of Eastbourne, an hour’s drive south of London UK. Sketches were made on location and edited on the computer. The response upon the ship’s royal inauguration on January 2004 has been overwhelming followed by emails from fans and full page coverage in the British press.

If you were to paint a world famous painting in your own style, what would the painting be and how will you paint it in your own style? How do you usually name your paintings?C: For me, becoming famous is anyone’s guess and for history to decide. I would have to paint something monumental perhaps, effective yesterday and give it my best color expression. I would call it “Life” with an exclamation point!

Can you tell us more about the “Hado” series? What is your favorite painting from the collection and why?C:  I choose the large “Wave” mural from my Hado Series as a favorite for now. For that mural presentation, I had a dozen tapestries manufactured for use as meditation shawls to be used by praying monks in veneration of the life giving sea. Monks meditating were lined up in rows in front of the mural wearing these special shawls and it appeared as if the participants were blending in as if “one” with the wave.

Which figurative theme is closer to your heart? How hard is it to paint photo realistic paintings?C: Portraits seem to be close to my heart, the more I realize it each day. I would find the canvas continuously resonating whatever spirit or essence captured in the painting process. It was not an easy process especially in the early developmental stages in which the subject scarcely has been captured! The magic would ripen as the art reaches its conclusion while the paint is drying as I apply frantically those layers of color reflecting emotion and light, pushing that feeling I wish expressed.

In order of importance, could you prioritize the following: Wealth, Fame, Health, and Family and why?C:  I noticed as I get older, the importance of wealth, fame, health and family gradually shift in their sequence of importance. Wealth and fame no longer have me fazed as much as my relationships and health these days. LIfe touches me ever more. Perception shifts toward sensing the intangibles and formless in form of emotion and motion, as in the dance of life. Boundaries and distances blur as familiarity grows. It is art having its effect.

What are your other hobbies?C: Photography, poetry and travel are my other loves. All these elements support one another as I trod the soil and cross the seas.

Who is your inspiration?C: Many before me have me inspired: Rumi the poet, Osho the teacher, Ruiz the shaman, Walter Russell the artist/scientist and Nisigardatta Maharaj the mystic in addition to the numerous colorful artists from all time.

How can art play an important role for our special children?C: Art for all children is the very expression of unbridled self and its innocence! It is best and importantly nurtured early as it does wonders for one’s self esteem and connection among others.

Any special message for our community?C: My final message is to let the beauty of all this is to enter within and to view any discord and ugliness as not you. You are beautiful and your smile expressively puts a stamp on it.