Phillip was born (1987) and raised in Chicago. At the age of eighteen, he decided to leave home and travel the world. A life changing moment was when he landed in India at an ashram as he was trying to discover the meaning of life and to get a better understanding about himself. It is there that he discovered his interest for art. This interest turned into a passion as he continued to pursue his search for self. This eventually brought him to Stony Brook University (2011) and then Florence University of the Arts in Italy (2012). He received his BFA from Hunter College in 2015. Phillip has lived and worked between The Hamptons, New York City, and Miami in recent years.

Statement:

The source of my work is from within. There is a consistency in the work in that it is comprised of intertwining and layered strokes but the process is spontaneous. That is where the freshness comes from. The life of the painting lies in what goes into it.

It is my entire body and being that paints. The strokes move. They carry energy. The overall quality is full and active yet balanced.

I primarily paint with acrylic on paper and on canvas using a brush. The marks are applied with purpose and precision. The decision-making, or action, is based on trust and is a direct route to creation. I share what's inside or what passes through me.

The art has allowed me to go deeper in. I paint for hours straight. I don't get lost in it, but rather I discover through the doing. I become more aware, in tune, watchful, interested, and involved. Painting shows me the way because it reveals reality. From this process I grow, and in turn, the art grows as well.

The meaning of the art is inherent in the physical aspects of the painting: the colors, strokes and movement. People may relate to it in their own way, but the work often speaks to me while painting. I hear messages, have feelings...this is all part of the growth and discovery.