Meet Phyllis Green

Today we’d like to introduce you to Phyllis Green.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was raised in Canada, but moved to California to pursue graduate studies in art.

I received an M.F.A. from UCLA in 1981, and began my career as an artist, educator and curator in Los Angeles. I have worked in video, installation and performance, but I am primarily an object maker who represents the body. My sculpture has been exhibited extensively nationally and internationally for forty years. A survey exhibition, “Splendid Entities: 25 Years of Objects by Phyllis Green”, was presented at Otis College of Art and Design in 2011. I have been awarded artist fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the California Arts Council, the Pollock-Krasner Foundation, the City of Los Angeles (COLA Grant) and the City of Santa Monica (Senior Artist Fellowship). The J.S. Guggenheim Memorial Foundation named me a Fellow in Fine Arts in April 2014. I have taught for extended periods in the art departments of Loyola Marymount University, UCLA and USC in Los Angeles and have lectured worldwide. I currently spend most of my time in my studio in Santa Monica.

Please tell us about your art.
My art practice is materials-based and integrates gender politics and the sphere of craft. The forms vary in different bodies of work. Here is a statement I wrote for a solo exhibition at Chimento Contemporary in November-December 2017.

“The suggestion that we change lives like we change clothes was offered in the Bhagavad Gita, the ancient Sanskrit verses that are often regarded as the most influential text shaping spiritual thought and life. While “changing lives” referred to the Hindu belief in reincarnation, I propose that we change our lives by re-focusing: by calming our minds and enjoying moments of introspection. These moments are enhanced by a relationship with the natural world and by realizing our innate connection to the vast universe. This body of work, LIFE AFTER LIFE AFTER LIFE, is an invitation to participate in this process.

The sculptures suggest the possibility of specific otherworldly actions. Fashioned by laborious hand processes (sewing, carving, and hand-joining thousands of brass rings to make chain mail) and from natural materials (wood, feathers) they include both locations for contemplation and garments to wear. Most are inspired by specific Vedic parables and scriptural passages. “Tree and Birds” for instance, refers to a Vedic text that describes a tree around which many birds flutter, trying to reach the top. As they move upward, the birds pause frequently to taste the sweet and bitter fruits. The most beautiful bird sits serenely at the top. In my interpretation, this bird becomes a hat, the crown of an object that is part costume and part sculpture. This sculpture, and the objects that surround it, are infused by an awareness of the challenge that such spiritual aspirations impose in this turbulent, hate-filled, material culture, and by the humor and whimsy that are required, in part, to navigate it.  The green, feather-lined coat reveals the essence of the Vedantic message: “Close your eyes and find peace: Open them and ask what good you can do in this world”.

We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
I have lived in Los Angeles since 1979 as an artist and follower of contemporary art. There are more art-related events to partake in than ever than ever! There are dozens of exhibitions, performances and discussions on art occurring here every day of the week, particularly on weekends. Attendance to most of these is free! They provide great opportunities to meet with other artists. Pay particular attention to venues that show work that attracts or interests you. You are sure to meet kindred spirits and find interesting conversation.

Contact Info:

• Address: Phyllis Green
• Website: www.phyllisgreen.net
• Email: pgreen610@gmail.com
• Instagram: pgreen50
• Facebook: Phyllis Green

Image Credit:
Ave Pildas, Ruben Diaz
Wayne Shimabukuro

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