Today walking along the grandville bridge on my way home had to snap this lovely mural with my phone camera ( I know, what was I thinking!!), painted by Robert Wayland on 1994. (I have been thinking to come and shot a decent photo for my own records, and well today I just couldnt resist!! be back thought)
Robert Wyland (born. 1956 in Detroit, Michigan), known simply as Wyland, is an artist best known for painting large, outdoor murals of whales and other ocean life.
As a child he started to have interest in painting and being an artist at the age of 3. One of the people that influenced Wyland was Captain Jacques Cousteau. Wyland as a child also wanted to be a scientist and study marine life just like Captain Cousteau, which he is also today. Captain Cousteau is still the main influence in Wyland’s belief in caring for the environment. Wyland first encountered the adoration of whales when he saw a TV show hosted by Captain Cousteau about whales. After watching the show he said he wanted to know how to dive and visit the whales in their environment. Wyland became known as an artist when he began painting large whale murals. In college Wyland majored in painting and sculpting. His teacher in college recommended that Wyland should move on and travel to California where he could develop his art. Wyland currently lives in Hawaii, which is where he spends much of his time. In Hawaii, he once swam with whales that were 40 ton giants.
Since 2003, the Wyland Foundation has embarked on a five-year touring schedule to promote art, science, and conservation. The program has reached children along the East Coast, West Coast, and the Mississippi River regions. To date, the Wyland Foundation has conducted tour events in more than 35 states, Mexico, and Canada, reaching more than 50 million people.
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