San Diego, CA
About Brian McClean:
Brian McClean is a Coast Guard veteran and native of Philadelphia, PA. He began photography as a hobby to cope with the stressors of active military duty. This intensified as he was stationed in Alaska, the Middle East, and the Presidential Honor Guard. It had participated in over 200 funerals and hundreds of ceremonies honoring dignitaries worldwide. McClean served in the U.S. Coast Guard for twelve years almost 13 years.
Upon transitioning to civilian life, McClean decided to pursue photography professionally, refining his skills while still using the medium as a form of healing and therapy for his anxiety and depression. For his richly colored photographs, McClean often combines various shots of the same scene with varied lighting or exposure to create a single composition with enhanced detail and clarity.
Brian uses his photographs, business, and voice to advocate for art and mental health. So far, his artwork has been installed in Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals, mental health clinics, Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinics, and the University of California, Irvine Health. He has also presented his artwork at public libraries, coffee shops, and events.
He took the ambition and resolve he learned from the military and applied them to his academic life. He has since completed a Bachelors in Information Systems and a Master's in Business Administration from National University. He is also currently pursuing his Doctorate in Business Administration at Westcliff University.
Brian aims to encourage holistic health and inspire others to learn, grow, and heal from their trauma, worries, and stress. He truly believes in the healing power of art and how it can unite communities and bring hope to the hopeless. Brian also takes pride in serving the community and sharing his story.
Selected exhibitions
- Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA - Oceanside, CA, 2022
- San Diego Museum of Art Artists Guild - San Diego, CA, 2022
- Huntington Beach Art Center - Huntington Beach, CA, 2021
- Art Gate VR - International Art Exhibition, 2021
- Fusion Art - Palms Springs, CA, 2021
- Santa Clarita Arts - Santa Clarita City Hall, 2021
- Flagler Florida Art League - Palm Beach, Florida, 2020
Education
- National University, Masters in Business Administration - San Diego, CA,2022
- National University, B.S. Computer Information Systems - San Diego, CA,2020
Press Accolades
- ABC 10 News Feature - 11/20/2020
- Fox 5 San Diego News Feature (Twice) - 2020
- CBS 8 News Feature - 2020
- Black San Diego Magazine - 2020