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Artists « John Phillips
John Phillips (Metal Works) John Phillips’ career was inspired by three years of traveling the western United States on a wagon train while working for a program that provided rehabilitation for troubled youth. “Traveling down the road at 4 miles per hour gave me plenty of time to develop an appreciation for the utilitarian blacksmithing the kept the wagons rolling.” This appreciation grew into a career of creating architectural and sculptural forgings at his shop in Montgomery, Phillips Metal Works. He has twice been awarded the Alabama Artist in Crafts Fellowship, and his works have been exhibited throughout the Southeast. Phillips was one of four American artists chosen to exhibit his works at the Quershnitt Metal Exhibition in Germany. “Since the job of blacksmithing leaves a lot of time to ponder all of the world’s problems, I have come to a conclusion,” says Phillips, “Contemporary blacksmithing is, in large measure, a celebration of our country’s abundance. According to Andrew Taylor, democracy is a progress from bondage, to spiritual faith, to great courage, to liberty, and to abundance. Blacksmithing has played a significant role in all of these steps, from the great architectural works that adorn the European churches, to the flintlocks of our patriots, to the utensils that allowed the explorers and pioneers to venture West and create our great country. Two hundred years later, it is the blacksmith who celebrates our country’s abundance with ornamental and sculptural works.” The donated Ribbons and Stars chair was exhibited in American Craft Council Spotlight 2000 at Kennesaw State University and published in the catalog. It has also been exhibited in other venues. This piece is part of a 5-chair series that evolved from the chair Ribbons and Fire, which was exhibited at the Cross Section Metal-Querschnitt Metal 2nd Annual Exhibition of Modern Metal Design in Friedrichshafen-Lake Constance, Germany. This was a major international exhibit for contemporary blacksmithing. Ribbons and Fire was one of three works chosen to represent the United States. Selected Exhibitions and AwardsCross Section Metal-Querschnitt Metal 2nd International Exhibition of Modern Metal Design – Friedrichshafen-Lake Constance, Germany American Craft Counsel Spotlight 2000 – Kennesaw State University A Mark in Time: Masterworks of Contemporary Alabama Craft Southeastern Juried Exhibition – Mobile Museum of Art Individual Artist in Crafts Fellowship – Alabama State Council on the Arts Florida Gulf Coast Arts Center – permanent collection Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts – gate Montgomery Business Committee for the Arts – 5 sculptures Items in the APT AuctionRelated Linkshttp://www.phillipsmetalworks.com/http://www.abana.org/downloads/publications/arteaser.pdf |
