Born in 1979 in Wyoming and living most of his life in Idaho, Albin recalls his interest in art came at about six years old. He credits his parents who were instrumental in encouraging his interest and development in art, even when resources were scarce.
In 2006, Veselka received a Bachelor of Fine Art degree from Brigham Young University-Idaho. He recognizes the knowledgeable, student-oriented faculty of the BYU-I art department who gave him “the tools all representational artist must have to open the door to communicating in the visual arts.” While still a college student, Albin received direction which helped him break into the gallery scene early in his career. Since then, he has continued developing his skills and been blessed to receive recognition and honors that have aided his progress, most recently, an induction into the Cowboy Artists of America.
Veselka’s career has been a continual learning experience as he finds inspiration in a variety of subject matter and working methods. “I think an artist's work represents their life. Consequently, I paint a variety of things that interest me rather than trying to create an image based around a specific subject matter or style of painting.” He finds new things to appreciate in his surroundings and in the work of art masters both living and deceased, including Nicolai Fechin, John Singer Sargent, Abram Arkhipov, Joaquin Serolla, Dean Cornwell, Richard Schmid, Carl Rungius, Mike Malm, Carolyn Anderson, Alphonse Mucha, Emil Carlson and Leon Parson.
Albin currently lives in Franklin, Idaho with his wife Jenee and their four children. He is very grateful his family is supportive of what he does for a living, patiently dealing with the ups and downs of life with an artist. For Albin, a high purpose in art is enriching the lives of others. “There is something of the divine that comes through the work of one who has mastered his mode of expression and who has something good to say. When that message comes through and awakens something within the viewer that improves his or her life, that, I believe, is the higher purpose of art. That is the intent of my work.”
