A Workspace Reveal with i2i Art Illustrator Phil
Illustrator Phil graciously lets us peek into his underground world. Take a moment to learn about the method-behind-the-masterpiece and what keeps this multidisciplinary artist moving and motivated.
Where is your studio?
I call it my basement atelier. In our house, everyone always knew where to find the basement dweller.
Phil illustrates Car and Driver's '10 Best'
Car and Driver’s '10 Best' features the nostalgic, hand-painted illustration of Toronto-based artist, Phil. An inspired choice, Art Director Darin Johnson commissioned Phil to interpret 10 contemporary cars in his unique style.
Phil Illustrates Snowdrops
Spring is in the air and with this new season comes a sense of hope. It’s this feeling of hope that brought illustrator Phil and poet Hanna Robinson together. Both inspired by the snowdrop flower and the wonders of the natural world. Hanna, looking for a visual to accompany her poem, came across Phil’s painting of snowdrops and felt that it spoke to her. With isolation becoming part of our daily lives it’s wonderful to see that Phil’s art and Hanna’s poem connected them through ideas of growth and resiliency, themes that are often present in Phil’s work.
Phil illustrates 'Maddy Moose' for Bell Box Murals Project
Inspired by the great outdoors, illustrator Phil put paint to action in a collaboration with Bell Box Murals Project, a Community Matters initiative. Tasked with brightening up the corner of Tyrell Ave. and Turner Rd., Phil, in hopes of bringing a more natural element to the city, decided that a large graphic moose would do the trick. The textured layers of paint and distressed finish are signature to Phil’s style, making it feel like ‘Maddy Moose’ has always been part of the neighbourhood.
Phil illustrates scenes with a story
Illustrator Phil creates truly unique pieces of art that subtly evoke emotion. Painting with acrylic on wood, he distresses each illustration by hand. The weathered and worn quality of his work combined with the layering of tones and textures add depth and set the mood for the story being told.
Phil illustrates for Kings Highway Cidery
Along with brewing award-winning ciders Kings Highway has a tradition of using top-notch illustration for its packaging. So it was no surprise that when a label was needed for their new summer Berkshire Porch Pleaser cider they turned to renowned illustrator Phil. Excited about the collaboration, Phil set straight to work in his rustic, painterly style. With views of The Berkshires from Edith Wharton’s porch (and the cidery owner’s dog Hank) as inspiration Phil transports us to a warm, sunny afternoon in the country.
Phil illustrates for Country Gardens Magazine
Illustrator Phil has enjoyed a long and collaborative working relationship with art director Nick Crow at Country Gardens magazine. Working on quarterly issues for over 10 years has built a reciprocal sense of trust and allowed for a creative freedom that illustrators do not take for granted.
Phil illustrates Me and You and the Red Canoe
We couldn't wait to share this recent project! Renowned i2i Art illustrator Phil recently collaborated with Groundwood Books art director Michael Solomon and award-winning author Jean E. Pendziwol on a children's book that has been quick to win critical acclaim for both words and pictures.
