Meet Phillip Moore

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Phillip Moore a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Phillip , we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

I am still learning to adapt to this busy world, after having lived in the Middle East for a few years. After serving three combat tours in Iraq with the US Army, I was unaware of how much mental baggage would continue following me, after all these years. Despite knowing that I am back home and safe, my body has physical reactions to things in our every day life. In 2021, my wife insisted that I start taking a night class with her, painting at a local art center. Developing a confident form of expression was difficult at first. Color-blindness plays a tremendous role in the style of my work. Finding an idea of what to paint fell on photographs from my time overseas. Within just a few months, I was able to produce 18 soft pastel renditions of real photographs from the war in Iraq. In addition, I was able to sell calendars of these paintings, raising over $25 thousand dollars for other local veterans to obtain art therapy for free. Unaware how therapeutic this was, I continued to paint, transitioning to work with landscapes. Now four years later, my wife Michele and I have been able to produce the Moore Museum of Art and Natural History, in our home, and I have a painting on Capitol Hill in Washington DC, in my Congressman’s office. I’ve grown accustomed to having a small paint kit with me, wherever I go. The painting takes my mind away from all of the bells and whistles of society that trigger so many ill feelings from the war. I’ve also grown past the emotional and social barriers, that once restricted me from human connection. After exiting the military in 2010, there was no need or desire to talk to anyone. I was confined in my own mind. Fast forward 15 years, I still feel anxious, paranoid, and on high alert, about many things. My body still cringes and spasms at any abrupt loud noise. The 4th of July is rough, every year. However, I can sit down and focus, if only for a few moments. I can focus on the brush and the paint, the paper and the pen. I can remember that I am no longer in a war zone. I can bring myself to the fruition that human connection is enjoyable, especially when you can connect with like-minded individuals.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’ve lived in Florida for eleven years, primarily working in environmental management. This involves studying and engaging with the local fauna and how they have had to react to Florida’s growing population and overdevelopment. There have been too many times to count, I’ve come across deceased animals that have given their lives, one way or another. I have found a way to give these animals a second life, and this second life provides beauty and education for the masses. I have been articulating animal skeletons, for almost three years. I’ve built both invasive and indigenous species, such as alligators, armadillos, and even rats. In our home, my wife Michele and I have integrated our passion through our work, and created the Moore Museum of Art and Natural History. We give tours for up to 10 people at a time, free of charge, of our wonderfully curated museum. It houses over 100 different skulls, over 25 articulated animals, in addition to over 150 of our personal paintings. We’ve had to get rid of some of the furniture for the bigger skeletons. This also allows us to provide art demonstrations, and other unique experiences, such as “Karaoke Night at the Museum”. It is always a joy to see people of all ages gasp in wonder and excitement, when visiting the museum. Next year, we will be launching a program called “Operation Articulation Donation”. This will involve donating real animal skeletons to local schools’ science and biology departments. Florida is a very unique and special place in our country. As a local, I feel somewhat responsible to educate others on how we must adapt, to preserve what wildlife we still have here.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Three qualities that have had a resounding effect on my creative journey thus far, have been courage, tenacity, and patience. When it comes to artistic expression, we must shed the self consciousness, and be courageous to artistically express ourselves without fear of judgment or self doubt. When it comes to creativity, know that it all has to start somewhere, for all of us. Once a project has been started, we must be vigilant and tenacious enough to see it to the end. Unfinished projects are just taking up space. Dig deep and find the tenacity to complete your started projects. It will give you a tremendous sense of accomplishment and confidence. Patience is something that everyone can practice, but only so many can harness. Know that any task or project that is worth starting, is ultimately worth having the patience to finish it, and finish it the right way.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

I’ve always been the black sheep of the family. I was never close with either of my parents or my one sister. Growing up, I learned being alone wasn’t all bad. I went to school, played sports growing up, and lived a pretty normal life. After leaving for the military at age 21, I was certain that I wasn’t coming back to my home town. Having endured three combat deployments with the US Army, I felt that I became a man on my own, without all of the lessons learned while growing up. After years of being away from my family, my father surprised me, and showed how proud of me he was. After my second deployment to Iraq in 2006-2008, the homecoming ceremony commenced on the parade field of the 1st Cavalry Division headquarters, at Ft. Hood, Texas. People cheered as the massive formation of 1st Cav troops marched onto the parade field. After brief words were spoken, the command “fall out” was given. Crowds of family members searched through the sea of camouflage. Folks cried and hugged on that beautiful afternoon. Unexpectedly among the crowd, I found my father. He had made the trip to Ft. Hood from Florida, for my return. I was so glad to see him. This has had a lasting effect on how I feel for my dad.

Image Credits

Photos by Michele Moore