Abstract Artist Nancy Phillips Discusses Mixed Media Practice and Career Resilience
In a podcast interview, abstract mixed media artist Nancy Crandall Phillips detailed her artistic evolution from ceramics and fiber arts to her current work incorporating encaustic wax, acrylics, gold leaf, and found materials. She described an experimental, layered process that embraces 'happy accidents' and the inherent behavior of materials. Phillips also addressed the practical and emotional aspects of an art career, including balancing freelance accounting work, entering juried shows, and building relationships for gallery representation. She advised aspiring artists to persist, cultivate community, and create their own opportunities.
Key facts
- Artist Nancy Crandall Phillips works with abstract mixed media, using encaustic, acrylics, texture paste, gold leaf, and embedded objects.
- Her artistic journey began with ceramics and fiber arts before evolving into her current layered, tactile practice.
- Phillips emphasizes an iterative, experimental creative process that involves cycles of excitement, frustration, and rescue.
- She balances her art practice with freelance accounting work and discussed practical steps like entering juried shows and joining art groups.
- Phillips advised aspiring artists to build resilience, trust their process, and actively seek out opportunities through community and networking.
Entities
Artists
- Nancy Crandall Phillips
Institutions
- Cal State Northridge
- Crocker Museum
Locations
- Los Angeles
- Northern California