Interview
Trevor Phillips
Trevor was born in 1975 in Summerland, BC, Canada. He is a self-taught artist with a lifelong artistic practice in many mediums, ranging from illustration, painting, graphic design, and screen printing. He has a natural talent and the ability to be creative with any medium undertaken. Some of his artistic influences include Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
His artwork incorporates his influence with comic books, graffiti, fine art (both contemporary and abstract), Japanese printmaking, anime, screen printing, and natural settings. His latest work uses bright colors and bold lines to create captivating pop culture pieces that are unique, one-of-a-kind experiences.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I was born in 1975 and have been artistic since a very young age. Creating art was always an enjoyment for me. I became interested in art when I received a stack of comic books as tall as me from my mom's boyfriend at the age of 7. I would read them and draw superheroes all the time. Over the years I picked up skills through school in art class. I began taking part in art shows in 2002, with The Cheaper Show. I was working kitchen jobs at the time. After I was in a really bad accident in 2013, I decided I had to focus my passion on my art. I began showing at Kimoto Gallery in 2016 and had a great reception to my pieces. I am now showing in Le HangArt in Vancouver and Montreal, and WOW Interiors in Vancouver and Guava Apparel in Nanaimo.”
“The eyes are my favourite subject surrounded by an illustrated life. I want to give the viewer a subject that speaks to them and gives meaning to them. I start with an image that catches my eye and transform it into a colourful, bold composition that grabs your attention. This brings you into the piece and holds you for a moment in its visual embrace.”
What inspires you most?
“I find inspiration in life through experience with the world around me. I am inspired by art that you can feel as you view it, listen to it, taste it, or smell it. Inspiration comes in many forms for me. The greatest inspiration comes from giving someone the feeling of enjoyment and attachment to the work I’ve created. Music is a huge part of my life and has helped me to become the artist I am.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“I pursue themes that have influenced me with the people I portray, and make them a part of my life. I like to show that as people we can all be a superhero to someone. The people we look up to can become a hero to us. Animals are another favourite subject to use. Highlights of the decades I grew up in through pop culture and interest in nature. I want people to look inside themselves and become attached to a piece that stands out to them, touches them and holds them in a time where they felt safe, or needed a reminder of the good things in their life.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work is my life experiences and influences put into a visual context of what I see in myself in this lifetime. The manifest of my upbringing and what I hold onto for comfort and identity. It’s bright and bold contemporary pop art portraits of iconic celebrities and expressions that catch my eye. A mixture of influences from artists Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and comic book art. It’s about the things we are familiar with and reminds us of another time in our lives.”
What artists influence you most?
“I was really influenced by comic book artists when I was growing up. People like Todd MacFarlane, Marc Silvestri, Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. As I grew older, I had an appreciation for artists like Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. I've always loved street art and the messages it conveyed. These days I am finding inspiration to the artists around me like painter Katsumi Kimoto and photographer Melvin Yap. I am influenced by art that is moving and has passion put into it.”
What is your creative process like?
"I rely on my personal experiences and exposure to pop culture throughout my life. Moments in time that stand out to me and are framed on my canvas. Influenced by the comic books I read and movies I watched growing up, I like detail with bold lines and bright colours. The stars in our lives have an influence on our outcomes. I like the idea of a superhero in those who are just like us, but in the spotlight.
With music playing, my brushes will take me away on a journey of commitment and dedication to my craft. Art has saved my life on numerous occasions.”
“Expressions have the opportunity to say more than words. Your words can say a lot, but your expression can speak the truth. Your winks, smirks, smiles, cries, and grimaces can explain what you are really feeling or thinking. They are the window to your emotions and thoughts.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“An artist’s role in society is to capture what we cannot see and bring it to our attention. To give people a feeling that only an artist can give. Art is universal. It is who we are and who we strive to be. To visualize and problem solve in abstract ways to create and evoke emotion by putting our passions into a reality. We can create change and tangible messages that reflect our own beliefs and give someone else a feeling of having a space to belong.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I’ve been a part of a few group showings at Kimoto Gallery from 2016 to 2019. Right now I am showcasing at Le HangArt in Vancouver and Montreal. You can check out some of my works on their website here.”
