Meet Phil America

Today we’d like to introduce you to Phil America.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m an artist, born and raised in California. I’ve lived throughout the US, Europe, Asia and Africa, concentrating on individual moments of freedom while looking at relationships with class, gender and race. In my work I use installation and sculptures, performance, photography, video, and fashion in searching of a better understanding and connection to my subjects while bringing about an interpersonal relationship between the viewer and myself. Recently I have started to focus more on using conversation as a medium as well as looking for ways to activate unused spaces.

Recently I have collaborated with a number of fashion brands, including designing a collection with 11 by Boris Bidjan Saberi for Spring/Summer 2018.

I started with documenting graffiti on passenger trains which lead me to art that led me to where I am today. Most art I create involves some layer of social practice and is a very process drive, which is usually seen within the work. I have worked with everyone from the United Nations to sports teams to fashion brands as well as writing and taking photos for publications and giving talks- including 3 TED Talks. My work has also lead me to have 3 books published with more in the works.

Along with creating art, a large focus in my day-to-day work is education- helping to run a school for Burmese refugees as well as teaching at an arts high school.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Being as my artist name is more or less my business, I would say that what sets me apart is my approach to things, which is much different than other artists.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
For me, success is not a motivating factor. What motivates me is change and pushing things forward. If it’s culture or art, then I want to make art that nobody else can make and spark a conversation of change with that art. If it’s fashion, the same. If it’s photography, the same…

Contact Info:

• Website: philamerica.com
• Instagram: philamerica

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