Jim Phillips
Opelousas, LA
Out of the box fun-loving folk artist, designer, storyteller & builder - and a skilled portrait watercolor painter & charcoal artist with a good sense of humor
MessageI hold a Master's degree in Education and have a rich background in this field, including the establishment and management of a private Montessori school and The Gourmet Language School for Children in Northern California. Certified in evaluating Louisiana State Special Education and Gifted and Talented arts programs, my expertise encompasses Visual Art, Theatre, and Music. My artistic endeavors are diverse, ranging from folk art and design to building and making. As a portrait artist, I specialize in watercolor and charcoal, having completed over 40 commissioned portraits in these mediums, sometimes incorporating oil pastels.
Since the 1970s, I have pursued photography, developing a distinctive technique known as Mandala Photography, which I have used in both traditional film and digital formats. This technique was first showcased in 1991 at an Open Studio event in San Francisco. I currently exhibit my work at The Whirlybird Tower Gallery, a gallery I designed and built using recycled and repurposed materials, established in 2006 as part of a multi-year folk art, design, and architectural project.
Alongside my wife, I have been involved in another significant building project, The Whirlybird, a Folk Art Honky Tonk in South Louisiana. Since the early 2000s, we have hosted over 300 cultural and artistic events. My artistic journey is driven by a commitment to sustainable practices, a concept I fondly refer to as "sustainable fun."
Statement
As an artist, my focus is on showcasing the diversity and cultural richness of both my local community and the wider world. Through my art, I aim to capture the essence of different people, their traditions, natural beauty, and values. My artistic creations include portraits, structures, folk art, photography, and cultural activities, all designed to reflect and celebrate the varied experiences of those around me. This contributes to creating a more harmonious and aesthetically pleasing world. My work is known for its unique style, particularly evident in my watercolor and charcoal portraits, as well as in my distinct Mandala Photography technique. I identify as an eclectic folk artist, drawing inspiration from a diverse array of sources, especially from the individuals I encounter. My work often combines elements of traditional handmade art with modern, synthetic, or recycled materials. I'm constantly exploring and experimenting with digital tools to produce fresh and original images that energize me. To maintain the recognizability and authenticity of my digital art and folk art prints, I've started digitally signing them with a copyright, such as: © JIM PHILLIPS.
© Copyright by Jim Phillips, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana. All rights reserved.
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