Phillip Vigil Makes Shit Happen : Earz Magazine

Phillip Vigil Makes Shit Happen

February 14, 2008 · Words: Martin S ·

Art by Phillip Vigil: 'Make Sh*t Happen'

Sometimes the best art isn’t the prettiest, it’s the work that speaks to you with the most clarity and volume.

Or in the case of New Mexico based artist Phillip Vigil, it yells at you like a slap in the face. Phillip only started painting seriously three years ago when he decided to “make sh*t happen”, and embarked on what he calls “a gradual progression from pen and ink to spray paint to pastels”; and literally “hasn’t looked back since”.

His attitude is clearly not restricted only to his artwork: when asked what his artistic achievements were to date, he responds typically: “Well, my career as an artist has really just begun. I’ve yet to have my debut show. But I have managed to get my work in a gallery in Windsor, Ontario. I’d even say the fact of my becoming an artist in the first place is an achievement in my life. I never intended on becoming an artist.”

Vigil on the ‘Make Sh*t Happen” philosophy:

“I think it makes sense. Things just don’t happen on their own. I feel people should go out and do what they want and make it happen, make it a reality. It’s somewhat of a reminder to myself, to keep making it happen. It’s my personal motto now. It’s such a direct piece, its one that can only be interpreted in one way for me, which is to go out and “Make Shit Happen” in this world.”

Art by Phillip Vigil: 'Untitled'

“Untitled” 36″ x 54″ oil pastel, oil stick on paper; by Phillip Vigil

Simple words of wisdom for anyone who needs a kick in the behind. Some of Vigil’s motivational art might often lean toward similarities with activist messages and provocative street art, but his roots in art trace back across three generations of artists in the family, a factor which was recently revealed and discussed in an interview with Original Thought magazine:

“There is my grandfather who painted in a realist style. He painted a lot of horses, and landscape pieces dealing largely with his people, the Jicarilla Apache. Then there’s my uncle Felix Vigil. He’s a modern contemporary painter living in New Mexico. His work incorporates a lot of symbolism, colors, textures, and media. A cousin named Darren Vigil-Gray is another painter I’m related to. His work deals a lot with his Jicarilla Apache culture and also a lot of landscapes.”

Frank P. Vigil: 'Wild Stallion'; Close-up

“Wild Stallion” by Frank P. Vigil, Gouache on Board; 1963.

Vigil on Family & Influences:

Being from a family of painters has really opened my eyes to the possibilities, not only in art, but in life. Being able to make your art a reality and to be able to express your self in such a way that it transcends boundaries.

I’m wanting to mentor under another artist friend of mine Adam M. Considine. He’s a spectacular oil painter, a medium I would like to conquer one day.

Phillip Vigil: 'You Can't Stop Me' sign

“You Can’t Stop Me” by Phillip Vigil, Oil Paint Stick on Sign; 2008.

Phillip parallels his inspired painting style with the freedom of musical improvisation in music such as jazz, as he told Original Thought magazine:

“I like to think of my work in the same way some jazz recordings were recorded. When they brought in the musicians to play on a particular piece, they usually were un-aware of what they were about to play but being able to make it happen as if it’s happening out of thin air. It’s something that has had a huge affect on me.”

And whether it’s taking down a STOP sign and turning it into a piece of personal protest art, or painting ‘freestyle’ in the studio, music plays an important inspiratory role in his work. In fact he says the ‘Make Sh*t Happen’ piece was primarily “a tribute to an underground hip-hop group known as “Living Legends”, out of the San Francisco/Los Angeles area. They’ve influenced my work, like no other with their music and lyrics.”

Phillip Vigil: Unknown title

Work by Phillip Vigil, unknown title and media.

Vigil on music as an influence (from Original Thought Magazine):

I listen to a lot of Jazz, and Underground Hip-Hop. Music is very important not only personally but also from an artistic stand point. It’s really opened my eyes to a lot of what’s possible in this world. A lot of my pieces sometimes end up being sort of homage’s to my musical hero’s.

Phillip Vigil’s work is available for viewing and purchase through his Myspace page, and he has several works currently displayed in Paula’s Gallery in Windsor, Ontario (4783 Wyandotte St. East Windsor, Ontario, Canada).

He is currently seeking more representation as well as venues to show his work, interested parties should speak to him via Myspace or by e-mail.

Posted in Art