Naturally Hawaiian

Renowned wildlife artist Patrick Ching was born and raised in Hawaii. He has acquired international recognition for his intricately detailed work and informative books on Hawaiian wildlife. His work in the past for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has given Ching ample opportunity to explore remote areas of the islands, getting to know intimately the creatures and sites that inspire his work.

The Kilauea Lighthouse Wildlife Refuge on Kauai owns a special place in his heart. From 1987 to 1992 Ching lived and worked there, until hurricane Iniki left him looking for a new home. He now resides in Waimanalo on the Island of Oahu.

In 1985, Ching was dropped by helicopter into the Hanawi Rainforest on the slopes of the Haleakala Volcano, Maui, to observe and paint the only nest ever found of the world's rarest bird, the Po'ouli. Ching camped out for weeks observing the bird's habits and used the research to create the only firsthand painting ever produced of the Po'ouli. In late November 2004, the last known Po'ouli died on Maui - as the species fell from the endangered list to extinction. Ching's painting "Soul Provider" pays homage to the Po'ouli's valiant struggle for survival.

Ching, who has traveled to the remote outposts of the seldom seen northwest Hawaiian Islands spending months in the field in an effort to categorize and protect rare species of birds and marine life. Drawing on his experiences, he authored and illustrated several award-winning books, including "The Hawaiian Monk Seal" and "Sea Turtles of Hawaii", both published by the University of Hawaii Press.

Of his time spent working for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the Kilauea National Wildlife Refuge on Kauai's north shore, Ching said "I lived and worked at the most beautiful place on Earth. Those were great years of my life."

Among his other accomplishments are the 1986 Hawaiian Telephone Phone Book Cover; a 1987 solo exhibition in Governor Waihee's office; Hawaii's first Wildlife Conservation Stamp featuring the Hawaiian State Bird the Nene Goose. He also painted and a hundred foot mural for the Salt Lake Public Library, depicting the artist's favorite historic scenes from the Salt Lake-Moanalua area.

Patrick Ching spent most of his life in Moanalua, where he graduated from high school. Ching also attended Leeward Community College, the Academy of Arts, and Otis/Parsons School of Design in Los Angeles.

The artistry of Patrick Ching has been featured in various newspapers and television shows and in several local and national magazines including Wildlife Art News, Audubon, and Birder's World.

For more information, please call 1-800-877-1948