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Patrick de Guzman

Stylized self-portrait of artist Patrick de Guzman depicted as a penguin wearing a red patterned sweater against a blue sky.

Media Arts

Creative Designer for ATB (Alberta Treasury Branches) · BFA · Class of 2010

www.dropofthought.com/

Patrick was born in the Philippines, grew up in the UAE, and is figuring out the rest in Canada (Calgary, to be specific). He is a painter, an animator, a filmmaker, and an easily distracted thinker (he told me to say that, by which I mean that I told myself to say that as the narrator), but the common ingredient in all of his work is stories. The medium sits in the passenger seat while narratives always take the wheel.

He launched his first solo show in 2024 titled "Where They Play", in his attempt to explore the question "What if stories could tell stories?" The experience involved paintings sitting around a campfire, inviting the rest of us to partake and share our own stories if we wanted to.

He's still figuring it all out in Calgary. If I were to take a guess at what he's planning next, he's probably working on taking the idea of sonder and translating that into a 30-piece painting exhibit, in which we can take a moment to stop and listen to strangers' stories if we wanted to.

Wherever his art practice may take him, here's hoping that we'll see you there at the next campfire.

Batreeq - In the Arabic language, "p" is replaced by "b". so I grew up being called "Batrick". - Also in Arabic, penguins are called "batreeq", which became my nickname in high school. - I constantly find myself either looking to my younger self for creativity and wonder, or my older self for logic and guidance.
The Climb - On one side, you can focus on the struggle of every step, the placement of your hands and feet, or the energy to not lose your grip. - On the other, you can admire the view on your way up. - It's the same climb on the same mountain, but I suppose it depends on where you decide to stand.
Seven Sands - I was born half-a-world away from these 7 cities. - My family and I moved there, and my playground became these 7 sands. - Even though the desert became my home away from home, we all eventually leave to find our next one.

Patrick de Guzman's Work

Patrick de Guzman's Work
Batreeq - In the Arabic language, "p" is replaced by "b". so I grew up being called "Batrick".

- Also in Arabic, penguins are called "batreeq", which became my nickname in high school.

- I constantly find myself either looking to my younger self for creativity and wonder, or my older self for logic and guidance.
Patrick de Guzman's Work
The Climb - On one side, you can focus on the struggle of every step, the placement of your hands and feet, or the energy to not lose your grip.

- On the other, you can admire the view on your way up.

- It's the same climb on the same mountain, but I suppose it depends on where you decide to stand.
Patrick de Guzman's Work
Seven Sands - I was born half-a-world away from these 7 cities.

- My family and I moved there, and my playground became these 7 sands.

- Even though the desert became my home away from home, we all eventually leave to find our next one.

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