Featured Artist E. Bruce Phillips

Using photography as a central point, artist E. Bruce Phillips creates intricate geometric layered compositions. Find more of his paintings on his website.

 

 

My art journey started with a children’s art program in Atlanta where I was born and raised. After that I was hooked.

 

 

I soaked up drafting, mixed media and assemblage, and explored the beauty and functionality of found objects. I immersed myself in learning about art and the artists behind the works—including the great Black artists of our time.

 

 

Later, I pursued a Master of Fine Art in Painting and studied in Italy and France. My work has been featured in group and solo exhibitions in Georgia, Alabama and Germany.

 

 

In 2016, I earned the Individual Artist Fellowship from Alabama State Council on the Arts. I am currently an Associate Professor of Art at a historically black college; as such, I have the pleasure of exposing my students to the history, beauty and value of art.

 

 

My inspirations and energies come from people and the environment as well as the strong interconnectivity between natural and manmade structures.

 

 

My uncle, Harper T. Phillips, an artist in New York, was an early influence on my decision to pursue art as a profession. My parents, and later my wife and son, opened my eyes to see the different hues, angles, colors and perspectives of life—their diverse experiences have a profound effect on my work.

 

 

Early in my career, I focused on color and form to produce a collection of more figurative works. Now, my work is more abstract and architecturally based.

 

 

Each piece begins with my photography as pivotal points. From these foci, I extend orthogonal lines and curvilinear mark-makings to create spatial intersections and use a combination of painting and drawing to layer and complete the compositions.

 

 

Paper, canvas and board are the substrates I primarily use, but I have also used found objects as my support.

 

 

I want my art to evoke emotion—to move hearts, stir bellies and transport viewers deep into their creative brains. I also want my art to foster dialogue, dialogue that aids others to see the obvious, search for the hidden and revel in the possibilities.

Artist E. Bruce Phillips invites you to follow him on Facebook.

 

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