Athlete and Artist This book is dedicated to my exceptional brother who beats the odds everyday by always aiming for perfection, never letting autism or an intellectual disability disrupt the quality of his life or destroy his lofty goals & aspirations.Patrick excels at visual arts & sports, pushing the boundaries regularly with a highly competitive yet generous spirit, epitomising the Special Olympics creed of : Let me win, & if I cannot win, Let me be brave in the attempt.This volume comprises a selection of his paintings which I have interpreted as sonnets, alongwith poems on autism & Patrick's heroic fight to conquer this disabling developmental disorder. I hope, through this endeavour, to enlighten the world on the difficult daily struggles faced & overcome by outstandingly brave individuals like Patrick."On behalf of Special Olympics Victoria, we would like to say just how proud we are...that Patrick Francis, Athlete, won the Youth Reward & Recognition Award for 2011. Patrick is a truly inspirational young man who has achieved many things through Special Olympics & is a valued member of the community."http://www.specialolympics.com.au/index.php/vic/news#award_winning_performance_from_melbourne_westCongratulations on your nomination for the "Young Australian of the Year Awards 2011" Patrick. Saw your impressive certificate from the great Adam Gilchrist. What an incredible honour! - Kevin Smith, Moonee Valley Leader.http://moonee-valley-leader.whereilive.com.au/your-news/story/mission-possible/This remarkable young lad has certainly broken the mould & proven to the whole world that his resolve, tenacity & steadfastness are the keys to success for all who strive for greatness - Geoff Gomes, Northcote Leader.http://northcote-leader.whereilive.com.au/your-news/story/an-artist-and-an-athleter/"Patrick won gold in the male division - 100m freestyle & 100m backstroke, & silver in the 200m freestyle - all 3 Personal Bests."Maribyrnong Mantas Swimming Club, on the Special Olympics State Aquatic Games at Bulleen in Apr 2012.http://home.vicnet.net.au/~mantas/news_archive.phpPatrick contributed 3 paintings in Apr 2012 to Classic Albums - a visually inventive & colourful reinterpretation of 'album artwork' offering nostalgia with a contemporary twist.http://artsproject.etools.com.au/April-news.html"Patrick Francis ...this guy is fantastic as he takes on the greats: Munch, Raphael, DaVinci among others. I am nuts about these works" - Peter Fay on 'Out of the Blue' Exhibition at Sheffer Gallery, Sydney, May 2012.http://peterfaygalleries.com/blog/-out-of-the-blue-The Hon Bill Shorten, MP - Asst Federal Treasurer, Australia, said Patrick was a worthy recipient of the Local Sporting Championship. "Success in sport is a great way to show that people shouldn't be judged by their impairment, but by their abilities. I'm delighted that Patrick has received this award to help him with his sporting career."http://www.mooneevalleyweekly.com.au/news/local/news/general/allrounder-patrick-beats-the-odds/1819332.aspxThe Art & Australia/Credit Suisse Contemporary Art Award won by Patrick in July 2012 has proven to be an important milestone in a young artist's career.Patrick Francis' vivid portraits & still life installations in bright blocks of colour explore aspects of his personal experience. Francis is a Melbourne artist working with Arts Project Australia since 2010. Tamara Winikoff, Exec Director of NAVA said "Artists who win this award gain the imprimatur of very prestigious art publication. This provides invaluable exposure for their work & earmarks them as people whose careers are to be watched with interest. We are delighted to be able to contribute to the success of these promising young people."http://www.visualarts.net.au/sites/default/files/artaust-credit_suisse_m_release.pdfwww.facebook.com/AbsolutelyAwetisticArtswww.facebook.com/AbsolutelyAwetisticwww.facebook.com/Athlete&Artistwww.facebook.com/PoeticPaintings |