Today we’d like to introduce you to Phil Hawkins
Hi Phil, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My interest in art and drawing started at a very young age which led into pursuing a Bachelor’s in Art Management from Bellevue University of Nebraska. Following college I started an internship at the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts. In 2014 I was offered a job at a bronze casting foundry with my mentor Les Bruning a sculptor and professor from Bellevue University. Working with metal was a big change for me as my sculptures and installations were mostly cardboard, pvc and resin.
During my foundry years I started visiting LA and discovering the art community here which led me to move here in 2017 from Omaha Nebraska my home town. My first job in LA was working for a precious metal refinery melting gold and various precious metals which had a similar process to my bronze casting job in Omaha.
Following my metal casting work I started working for professional sculpture artists in LA and picking up set building and prop design in the entertainment industry. Over the years I’ve found that working with my hands is a strength of mine and applying that to the arts is what truly inspires me.
I have continuously worked in design, printing, metal casting, fabrication, and refining studios with artist colleagues over the years.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Moving from downtown Omaha, NE as an exhibiting artist to downtown LA was a huge culture shock for me. There was definitely some growing pains involved and I’ve had my ups and downs. Even after seven years here I still feel that one must be very focused, resilient and stubborn to achieve your long term goals. It has been one of the biggest tests in life but I kept moving forward in pursuing my dream to succeed as an artist.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I like to consider myself a multidisciplinary contemporary artist with a focus on abstract forms of geometry in sculpture, installation and jewelry. My old underground studio in downtown Omaha was a cherished time in my upcoming as an artist and helped influence my style. From 2011-2017 I revitalized an abandoned underground bank vault into an art studio inside the historic First National Bank building built in 1917. My explorations of early 1900s architecture in the US, Hong Kong, and the Caribbean Islands have greatly inspired my path as an artist.
I’d like to note one of my proudest moments was my final year of 2017 in Omaha, Nebraska, as I won three OEAA’s (Omaha Entertainment And Arts Awards), Best 3-D Artist, Best Solo Show, and Best Group Show. My work has also been published in periodicals including The Reader, Vogue Spain, the Omaha World-Herald, and Fox 42 News channel. As well In 2018 the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued a design patent for my jewelry line.
I feel what sets me apart from others may vary depending on who you ask, but I feel I have a very deep intuition about life and creativity knowing it will lead me in the right direction. Art serves as a compass directly connected to my heart.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Whether you see it as good luck or bad luck in life’s challenges, there’s a beauty in chaos. Personal growth and new ideas can stem from problem solving in tough situations.
Pricing:
- 1,700
- 12,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.philhawkinsart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_phawk_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhilHawkinsart/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-hawkins-584b95b4/
- Twitter: https://x.com/philhawkinsart
