Phil Ouellette

About the Artist

Imagining works of art from rust, wood and iron. Creation is personal. Going public is terrifying. Allowing others to see the "cool" of the creation and actually desire a piece must be euphoric, unforgettable, but again, terrifying. I lean towards rust, towards debris, towards the unwanted and when they all collaborate together; the outcome is a piece that stands on its own.

Born into a creative family of artists, writers and dinner table comedians, I was the youngest of five children, shy as hell but competitive. I’ve always had patience and possessed the ability to sit and pose for my mom for endless hours as she created her next piece to satisfy her hunger. Born in 1928 and graduating from high school, she saw art school in her future; her father, on the other hand, did not. After passing in 2021, and recognizing her local accolades and her pride in entering art shows in the community, I felt the need to share what she passed down to me. At the least, I owe her that.