Philip's collages seem so uncalculated and effortless, the combination of so many different materials and techniques is just stunning. You should also check out his work using old photographs and polaroids--it reminds me a lot of the "experimental film" book by Nick Tassone featured a little while ago.
Philip Harrell (aka no-thanks)
http://www.alightedlamp.com/
Dallas, Texas
Q: Describe your work in 10 words or less.
A: Quick, messy, spontaneous, ambiguous collections of seemingly interesting parts.
Q: What do you like to work with (magazines, photographs, vintage)? Be specific!
A: I have this box that's been collecting left over scraps from mixed media works, or just stuff that was sitting on my desk or was in my pocket. This includes brochures, newspapers, magazine clippings, photographs, playing cards, shoe laces, paper clips, and other various paper products that I don't feel like throwing away. Pretty much anything that would be considered trash I try to use in some way first. I destroyed MICA's little catalog and used the parts of it in numerous collages. Tape is also one of my most favorite things to work with and is probably the most important element in my collages.
Q: How long have you been creating collages and what made you start?
A: I made my first one about two years ago. I had been really enjoying the collages by my friend Alex Hamrick and decided one day I'd like to try collage and see what would happen. It wasn't until about a year later that I discovered clear plastic tape and found a process that I really enjoyed though.
Q: Are you solely an artist, or do you work in another profession?
A: I'm also a full time student. Really, I'm more a student than anything else.
Q: Do you have any formal art training?
A: I've got a little over two years of college art training.
Q: Explain your favourite techniques.
A: Dig through box, hopefully find something interesting, modify if necessary, cut piece of clear tape, adhere to paper. Then repeat these steps until it all adds up to something I like. Lately though, I've been having a lot of fun ripping up polaroids and combining them with disposable camera pictures that we wouldn't print for people at a photo lab I used to work at. There was just something interesting about the pictures we would pass that I think works well with modified polaroids.
Q: Describe your favourite piece ever created.
A: I honestly cannot say I have a favourite piece. Most of my work I complete in sketchbooks because, aside from the fact that I've always worked that way, I really enjoy viewing the progress from the beginning to the end. It's also really amazing to me that I can make such ambiguous work but look back and be reminded of the process which then reminds me of why the process came about. I think that's more important than anything else, so my collection of filled sketchbooks is my favorite piece.
Q: What other artists do you admire?
A: I've been using deviantArt more lately and there are so many great artists on that website. I'm always finding someone to admire so I won't make a list here. Out in the real world though, I don't know too many artists, but Alex Hamrick's work is really inspiring to me as well as my sisters' work. Also their dedication. That's inspiring too. Other than that I don't really follow the art world.
Thanks Philip!
![](http://www.notpaper.net/images/masters1.JPG")
Philip's work is so solid. It feels grounded and solid. I just bought a piece from him and I'm having it framed right now.
Philip Felipe is my good friend, and makes bad ass fucking collages. I've loved these things for a while now, his shit is fresher than fresh! I'm so glad he's getting some well deserved attention for them!
i love using tape!