Phillip Michaels

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 lives and works between New York City and The Hamptons.

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 and sometimes work with mixed media such as charcoal, pastel, watercolor and ink. 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.