Meet Phillip Clark | Multimedia Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Phillip Clark and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Phillip, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
In 1999 I moved from Atlanta to Boston with the desire to broaden my horizons and enrich my experiences. I found myself in an unfamiliar place, working in retail management and was admittedly, a bit lost. I knew my path in life was in the arts but didn’t know where to begin. So I went to a local computer store and purchased one of the first edition iMacs. Back in my apartment as I sat there with this new piece of amazing technology a thought came to me. “Art is the way.” I walked over to the wall in front of me and with blue painters tape I filled the entire space with these words. This message, boldly displayed, became a constant presence in my daily life—serving as a guiding light while I meticulously honed my skills in Illustrator and Photoshop.

“Art is the way” became my mantra. In retrospect, that seemingly simple act of affirmation had a profound impact, infusing my life with the energy necessary to create the road I wanted to travel.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I spend most of my time creating art for solo/group exhibits, clients, and community projects. I’m currently working on a public art project for the City of Chamblee. I’m painting a piano that will be installed under the Clairmont Bridge section of the rail trail. On September 23 I’ll be showcasing my work as a vendor in the Chamblee Artist Market in front of City Hall (11am-3pm). And I’m working on plans for a fall solo exhibit, stay tuned for details on that. Another thing I have to mention is something near and dear to my heart and it’s how I have an amazing studio space right on Peachtree Road in Brookhaven. Two years ago I took a part time job at City Dog Market, a healthy pet provisions shop. It’s a small business that’s been there for over 15 years and the owners are absolutely amazing. They had an extra space in the building next to them that they weren’t using, which has now become my art studio. I’ve continued to work with them not just for the studio space but because I love it.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Many people believe that being an artist or designer is “fun.” Yes, I suppose sometimes it can be, but you should know it’s hard work. Often it’s not fun at all. It can be grueling, frustrating, defeating and really terrible at times. I’ve had my designs stolen by large corporations and even had a piece of art ripped off a gallery wall never to be seen again. A former business partner that I owned a gallery with took a decade of my life’s work and left me with nothing. What I learned is something that my art teacher Ray Shead would always say to me… “Bitter or Better?” You see, staying angry will consume and destroy you. Trust me though, the “Better” part of that statement – it isn’t easy and it’s something I’m still working on.

Failures and setbacks are a part of life as an artist. Getting back up, moving forward and trying again and again is what makes art, great.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Here are 3 top favorites in a few different categories:

Galleries = ABV Gallery / KAI LIN ART / Cat Eye Creative
Restaurants = Food Terminal / Casi Cielo / Nobu Sushi
Cocktails = Distillery of Modern Art / Clermont Lounge / The Roof at Ponce City Market
Shopping = Teso Life / Lenox & Phipps / Dekalb Farmer’s Market
General Fun Times = My Parent’s Basement / Piedmont Park & Botanical Gardens / Fernbank

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
1995-1996 I attended a year-long visual communications program at DeKalb Tech. It was an intensive course, five days a week, six hours a day taught by Ray Shead. On the first day of class there were 40 people in attendance. Mr Shead shared that while there were 40 folks sitting around only 15 would complete his class. In the end his estimate was pretty close, as only 12 of us finished. All I can say is he taught me not just about art and design, but about life and the business of art. He had a profound influence on me as a creative individual. Mr Shead, my shoutout is to you! Thank you for everything you taught me.

Website: TheArtillery.com

Instagram: @phizzyphizzy