We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shiri Phillips a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Shiri, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
When beginning to sell your art, imposter syndrome can be a significant challenge. It’s the nagging feeling of self-doubt, asking whether your work is truly good enough or if it will resonate with others. Overcoming this fear becomes an ongoing battle. For me, I approach it in phases. I try to isolate my experiences and concentrate on the present. I make a conscious effort to avoid overanalyzing my work and instead direct my focus on the current project. This approach helps me to manage the doubts that inevitably arise.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I live and work full-time as an artist in Omaha, NE. I began my artistic journey in grade school and continued into college, where I graduated with a BA in Art History. Although I was passionate about my studio practice, I had to work full time to pay the bills. When my oldest daughter was born, I chose to stay home with her and started freelancing in Graphic Design to satisfy my creative drive and stay in the work force. When my second child was born in January 2020, right at the beginning of the pandemic, I was postpartum and frustrated being stuck at home. That’s when I picked up my paintbrush again and started painting. I began sharing my work online, and to my surprise, people wanted to buy it. This was a significant turning point in my career, as it was the first time I had sold my art. Since then, I haven’t stopped, and it has really bolstered my confidence in pursuing art as a full-time career.
About a year into the pandemic, Artspace Warehouse in LA began selling my work. They became my first gallery representation and have been some of the biggest supporters and cheerleaders of my work to this day.
Recently, I’ve started weaving my papers into extra-large tapestries. They are woven together, shaped, and then painted on to create a sculptural piece.
As a child, I developed an interest in collecting various types of paper due to my fascination with their diverse textures and tactile qualities. I have always been averse to discarding paper and constantly pondering over how it could be recycled and repurposed. This deep-seated interest in recycling led me to explore the medium further. Approximately a year ago, I delved into the art of weaving these papers. Each strip of paper holds its own unique story, whether it originated from a book, wallpaper, magazine, or even from a previous painting that I repurposed. The passersby who stop to admire my weavings often discover hidden treasures within the intricate patterns. Each weave captures a narrative and encapsulates a piece of history.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Life experience-
Before pursuing a career as an artist, I held various impactful jobs. These included working in library conservation, customer service, the non-profit sector, development, graphic design, and even starting my own business. A common misconception about being an artist is that it only involves painting. In reality, I also take on responsibilities such as accounting, marketing, supply chain management, and operations. It is challenging, but with dedication and hard work, it’s possible to make it happen. My father, an entrepreneur, served as a great role model, showing me the dedication and perseverance required to overcome hardships. Having such an example to follow greatly influenced my journey to where I am today.
Determination –
I am a strong-willed person. You could say I am a bit Type A, which helps me stay determined and focused on getting things done. I dislike being late or finishing last, so I always push myself to see what the next experience will bring.
Resilience
I grew up as a theater and dance kid, always participating in school plays and auditioning for the next opportunity. I learned at a young age about rejection and the importance of accepting a “no,” which is tough but vital. Being resilient is crucial for a working artist. I face numerous rejections all the time and yes, they sting. But it’s just part of the job.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
They were amazing role models when it came to dedication and hard work. My father was an entrepreneur, and my mom worked for a large company, so I had the best of both worlds. I learned what it was like to pursue both types of careers early on. Entrepreneurship is most definitely the hard way!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shiriphillipsdesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiriphillipsdesigns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shiriphillipsdesigns
Image Credits
Photos by Ariel Panowicz
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
