Name: Nan Phillips
Email: nan@nan-art.com
What type(s) of art do you like to create?
My favorite medium is clay, sculpting realistic figurative nudes – I love using the bone and muscle structure to create “life” in my work. Unfortunately I spend the least amount of my time working in this medium. Most of my artwork is fused glass, and I have a preference for working in the lower heat range (1250 to 1350 degrees) to create dimensional glass. I find that keeping the definition and dimension in the glass is more fun and challenging than bringing the glass up to a full fuse temperature. I also work in stained glass and decorate my cold glass work with a sculptural solder that I devised. I recently created a large beaded sculpture with artist Jan Ayers for a show at The Cedars Gallery and really enjoyed the process of creating such a different kind of sculpture. Actually, I find that the medium is not nearly as important to me as just being able to create!
Where did you learn to do what you do?
I began taking stained glass classes at a small shop in Richardson, and pottery at the Craft Guild. I fell in love with glass immediately. I wasn’t as enamored with pottery, but met another student who was taking a sculpting class from George Davis. As soon as I saw the picture of the piece she was working on, I knew that was where I belonged. I began taking George’s classes and worked with him for many years. I still return to his classes whenever I have time, and I consider George my mentor. Also while I was at the Craft Guild I came across someone teaching a fused glass class. I took that class, creating my first piece in an old non-programmable pottery kiln. The bowl was horribly over-fired, but I was hooked. I bought a kiln and spent the next 5 years experimenting and teaching myself to fuse glass. I began working with dichroic glass shortly after it came on the market before there was anyone to teach it, and after much experimentation, money and a lot of pretty awful results, I developed my own techniques for working with that glass also.
Tell us about your most important projects.
I have two: The first was sculpting the piece that I titled “Tranquility.” I started the sculpture in George Davis’ class and Bethany Wright Looney was the model. She was a fabulous model. What I discovered from working on that sculpture was that I could change the body position, and by doing so, impart passion and movement into my work.
The other was working on the beaded sculpture with Jan Ayers. That was a fantastic experience. I found her whimsical and fun approach to art perfectly complimented my structured approach. By working together, we learned from each other, and eased each other’s styles. Jan gave me permission to play. It was a gift that I had never before received.
Describe your studio.
My original studio is quite small – about 7’x11’, but perfect for one person working. Unfortunately I outgrew that space and as my kids left for college I began a land grab in my home. I took over one bedroom as a sculpting studio, and recently took over the entire game room, turning it into a teaching studio. The pool table now has a sturdy 5’x8-1/2’ work table top.
What type of music do you listen to while you work?
I admit to being an NPR junkie, although I’m never able to hear more than bits and pieces of any given news program or interview. Glass grinders are noisy.
Where do you find your inspiration?
I find inspiration in the most unlikely places. A splash of color or shape in a magazine or art poster; a shape on a billboard; the muscle of someone’s arm or neck. Then I allow my mind to wander.
Do you have any advice for other artists?
Absolutely – keep working and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. It’s the only way to learn and grow. Work with other artists and be open to new ideas. Don’t be afraid to try something difficult, or if you are, give yourself permission to be afraid for a while, and then do it anyway.
Do you belong to any art organizations?
Texas Sculpture Association (I did belong to TVAA and Art Glass Association, but I think I let my memberships lapse. I’ve been a little distracted lately.)
Do you have a website?
www.nan-art.com
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