Patrick Ching, born in Hawaii in 1962, is an acclaimed artist whose work celebrates the natural beauty of Hawaii and its wildlife. From an early age, Patrick immersed himself in Hawaii’s valleys and shorelines, sparking a lifelong passion for nature and art. By sixteen, he was already a professional artist, creating everything from surfboard designs to large-scale murals.
Patrick’s artistic foundation was shaped by formal training at Otis/Parsons Art Institute, the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and Leeward College, with a focus on printmaking and ceramics. Influential mentors such as Jim Rayker, Herb Kane, and surrealist John Pitre played pivotal roles in his development as an artist.
Patrick’s dedication to conservation led him to volunteer with wildlife organizations and serve as a ranger for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Kaua‘i’s Kīlauea Lighthouse. His time living among sea turtles and monk seals in the remote Northwestern Hawaiian Islands deeply influenced his art and storytelling.
A celebrated author, Patrick’s books, including Sea Turtles of Hawaii and The Hawaiian Monk Seal, have become award-winning staples in Hawaiian literature. His children’s book Honu and Hina received the Ka Palapala Poʻokela Award for excellence in 2015.
Patrick’s art is showcased in galleries across Hawaii and through commissions like the State Foundation on Culture and Arts murals. For Hawaii’s commercial clients, his work brings an authentic connection to the islands, blending artistic mastery with a passion for nature that elevates any space.