Meet Philip Bennett Walker | American Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Philip Bennett Walker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Philip Bennett, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Financials were first & foremost. I had the confidence that when I had the time, I could make a product that could sustain and support my family. I always worked full time jobs and would fit in time to create art in between working 40 hours a week. Once I realized that my business was successful and I could be focusing on my art full time, I made the transition to being an independent artist.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art has been evolving since I was a young kid. What sets me apart is that I don’t look at art as a competition and I don’t compare myself to others. I’m very pumped about the fact that I can keep creating new things day after day, and never have to make the same design over again. Being an independent artist gives me the freedom to express myself creatively. In order to get to where I am now, I had to maintain my determination and dedication, and also sacrificed a lot. Technically I got my professional start in Aspen, Colorado with Living Out Loud Gallery in Aspen/Atlanta and Museumworks Gallery in Aspen/NYC/Salt Lake City. Since the beginning, I’ve learned that there is definitely nothing easy about paving the way for this career over decades of time. I’ve learned that you shouldn’t spend money until you’ve got it, and always reinvest back into yourself and your business. Along the way I also learned that you should never be afraid to take someones advice, yet also never be afraid to turn down advice; always trust your gut and make decisions that would make your future self proud.
What I really want people to know is that I never want to get complacent, and that I always aim to be bigger and better. One of my biggest goals with art is to inspire others to follow their passions. I think the world needs more creative people.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ve been visiting Atlanta my whole life, and would definitely recommend eating at Beetlecat in Inman Park. I’m a sucker for a cold Coke so I would also incorporate a visit to the Coca Cola Museum. In order to get the best of the city and countryside, Stone Mountain is a must for those who enjoy hiking, as well as camping at Red Top Mountain and renting a boat for a day. The weekend would definitely include a Braves game, too!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My wife and business partner, Elizabeth Walker, definitely deserves recognition and credit for all of our shared success. She is a jewelry designer, and our very first conversation was about becoming artists in our own respects. Her jewelry line, Elizabeth Sarah Collections, just celebrated it’s sixteenth year of business and has grown exponentially since day one. She has also encouraged my success as an artist, and together we operate a gallery in our town that houses both of our works. I could never have gotten to this stage of my career without her support, leadership, and determination.

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Website: www.philipbennettwalker.com

Instagram: @philipbennettwalker

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