Mike Phillips

I lathe-turn decorative and ceremonial vessels made of wood and alabaster, ranging from 3 to 22 inches in diameter. My vessels have been sold in select art galleries in seven western states and by the Smithsonian Institution's Renwick Gallery in Washington DC. The alabaster I use is from Utah, Colorado and Italy. The woods I use are grown all over the world, especially in Hawaii.

I was born in New Mexico and am a direct descendent of the Choctaw Indians. I was exposed to Apache, Navajo, Pueblo and Zuni cultures which inspired me to create turned wood and alabaster vessels from their designs, including unique pieces which combine these two materials. I began turning wood years ago, and began working with alabaster after a visit to Tuscany, Italy, where I was introduced to alabaster as an art medium. My formal technique training has been through wood-turning seminars from internationally-known turners. However, more important to the artistry of my pieces has been intensive self-study of Southwest Indian basketry and pottery, from which I have developed the shapes of my vessels.