Today we’d like to introduce you to Audrey Phillips.
Hi Audrey, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
We all go through difficult times in our lives, and how we choose to cope with them defines us. For me, my mother’s murder was a tragedy that shook me to my core. I was at a loss for coping with my grief and the overwhelming emotions that came with it. That was until I turned to art. Through my art, I was able to find healing and transformation. It was a way for me to honor my mother’s memory and keep her legacy alive. Now I want to share my story, knowing it might inspire those going through their dark period to find solace in their passions.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Losing a loved one can be a devastating experience that leaves us feeling lost and broken. After losing my mom, I tried traditional healing methods like therapy, but I still couldn’t shake the pain and trauma. That’s when I bravely decided to leave my corporate job and start my own design business, allowing me more flexibility in creating a new life. I began practicing yoga and meditation daily, but the act of creating art finally allowed me to confront and release the darkness inside. It wasn’t easy, but I remained committed, and it took years of personal work to get there.
Through this experience, I learned to embrace the unknown. I realized discomfort is a sign of growth and playing it safe only limits us. It’s important to keep moving forward, even when the path is uncertain. We can find the courage to step outside our comfort zones and grow. With time and a commitment to personal work, you can overcome anything.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a full-time painter specializing in large abstract paintings. Florida’s wildly exotic landscape is my home and my inspiration. This mysterious piece of earth provides a gateway into a focused presence, a calling to quiet the chatter and expand into silence. Once there, I become profoundly aware of its intelligence, recognizing it as a sacred space to heal and inform my art.
In 2019, the University of Tampa acquired and permanently installed 54 of my original paintings in the newly renovated two-story Southard Family Building. I am beyond proud and grateful for that experience. My work is in numerous United States and international corporate and private collections. I’m represented by several Florida galleries and teach abstract painting workshops in Santa Fe and New Orleans.
What changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The art industry has always been known for its constant evolution; the current landscape is no exception. With a wide range of venues for artists to sell their work, it can take time to figure out where to start. In the past, galleries were the primary means of selling art professionally, but that has changed with the rise of social media and other platforms. As a result, many artists are carving their paths to success. The introduction of AI and NFTs has brought about new opportunities and concerns for artists. It’s important to stay informed and aware of these changes while also maintaining a strong sense of artistic integrity. As we navigate this ever-changing landscape, staying true to our values and using our art to inspire positive change in the world is important.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.AudreyPhillips.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/audreyphillipsart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/audreyphillipsart
Image Credits
1. PHOTO BY @MIKEDUNNUSA for “Audrey Phillips *Color [PHOTO BY @MIKEDUNNUSA] – 0005_websize.jpg” 2. ©Jessica Leigh Photography for “Audrey Phillips 063RT”
