Trial lawyer whose career was ended by brain injury opens art exhibit
Patrick Fagerberg’s legal career was ended by a brain injury he suffered when heavy camera equipment fell on him at a music festival.
But, although the former Austin criminal defense attorney has gone through some hard times since then, an unexpected talent has provided a light at the end of the tunnel. Fagerberg’s brain injury unleashed his hitherto-unknown artistic talent and a compulsive desire to paint, reports the Art Attack blog of the Houston Press. KHOU and the New York Daily News also have stories.
Fagerberg’s first art show, Embracing the Sublime, will be on exhibit through March 13 at Gremillion & Co., 2501 Sunset Boulevard, in Houston.
Painted in monochrome colors with acrylic enamel, the abstract works look almost like an enlarged slide of something that might be viewed under a microscope. “”It’s a very natural, organic process. It can be cosmic or microscopic,” says Fagerberg of his work.
Now in his 40s, Fagerberg admits that he struggled with depression and substance abuse as he mourned the death of his original persona after being injured in 2011. Now he is on an upward trajectory, but despite his success as an artist, he is still working on a new definition of success to match his new talents.
“I still want to change people’s lives, influence people’s lives,” he told Art Attack. “It just has to be in a different way now.”
Related coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Lawyer Shares How Brain Injury Ended Career, Changed His Perspective”
Austin Statesman: “In suit, lawyer says SXSW injury has halted his practice”
See also:
Austin Statesman: “Austin attorney charged in alleged drug scheme”
KXAN: “Austin lawyers arrested in federal drug ring”
