About the Artist

Nevada artist, Mike Phillips has been turning wood for more than fifteen years and has recently begun turning alabaster, as well.  Born in New Mexico, Phillips is descended from Choctaw Indians. His vessels are inspired by the pottery and basketry of Native American cultures, specifically the graceful shapes characteristic of the Zuni and Acoma pueblos. 

About the Work

Mike turns both his wood and alabaster vessels on a lathe.  His wood pieces are typically turned from Norfolk Island pine or Hawaiin Milo wood.  The Norfolk pine is valued for its beautiful grain and translucency. The Milo wood is tight grained and dense, usually deeply colored, and rich in appearance. 

Alabaster has been used for centuries in the creation of ceremonial vessels and decorative lamps.  The alabaster that Mike uses in his pieces is from Utah and Colorado.  It ranges in color from white to red, orange, or green and black.  It may be opaque or translucent, and is often beautifully banded with minerals of contrasting color.  Each vein of alabaster has its own unique color and characteristics depending on the area from which it is quarried.

Exhibitions

2003   “One Step Back, Two Steps Forward,” Patina Gallery, Santa Fe, NM