5 Things We Learned... Philip Govedare
Philip Govedare creates intricate, layered landscapes that are suggestive of a complex narrative of natural forms and human intervention. His paintings elicit questions about our role in nature and how our activity has reshaped the earth’s surface.
“My work is a response to landscape that is vast in scale and inspires the imagination to contemplate our place in the world, what came before us and what lies ahead. While my paintings may elicit questions about our role in nature and the transformation of the earth’s surface, they are above all, a celebration of the beauty and mystery of the earth and the natural world we inhabit.”
Here are 5 Things We Learned about Philip.
What made you...you?
I grew up in a conservative small town in rural eastern Oregon. My parents were educated and unorthodox, but I always wanted to discover the world and other cultures. At age 20 I left for Paris to live on my own for a year, and later Rome for a year as a student and two and a half more as a professor. I sought adventure and discovery through life and my creative practice as an artist.
When are you happiest?
I am happiest when I am fully engaged in the world. There is wonder in both the mundane and the extraordinary. It may be an outing in nature, working in the studio, or spending time with family and friends.
Would you rather have a muse or be a muse?
My inspiration comes from the process of working, stumbling along until something magical happens. Where this comes from, I don’t really know, and how it happens is a still a mystery to me. I like it that way
Who do you admire?
.I admire visionary artists of the past whose work has shed some light on life’s mysteries. I admire people who think independently, are imaginative, and don’t follow the expected path. But most importantly, I admire everyday people who are kind, generous and decent.
What is important?
It’s important to stay open, interested and curious about the world. Life is a gift; it should never be boring. The questions art poses are often more important than the answers, if there are answers at all.
Portrait, bio, and all images provided by courtesy of Philip Govedare and Winston Wachter Fine Art
http://seattle.winstonwachter.com/artists/philip-govedare/
