News and Illustration Projects | i2i Art Inc.

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.

Adirondack Icons by Phil

Phil's handcrafted calendar for Gay Lea Foods

Phil: Wild Turkeys for Country Gardens

Phil for Country Gardens

phil illustrates a year in the "Slow Lane"

Phil's paintings for "Best of Ontario" Wine Boutiques at the LCBO

Phil Illustration

Phil was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Phil paints things. He schooled at Toronto's Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD U) and Calgary’s Alberta University of Art (AUART), in painting, printmaking, photography and design. Phil's artwork focuses on timeless icons, objects and points of interest. He paints on reclaimed wood panels which suggest that the artwork is old and has been around for some time. The effect of the worn patina gives each artwork a feeling of time and a recalled memory from the past - items that are well used and well loved. His artwork often includes hints of a mystery, curious coincidences and a dose of humour and frivolity. Phil is handy, he has a couple of motorcycles, is proud of his three adventurous grown children, and an amazing wife that supports him in everything he does.

Phil Illustration

Visit Phil’s website

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