Staff Show 2016: Mike Guy

Posted on September 3, 2016 by Emily Bray

In this series, Education Specialist for Public Programs Emily Bray highlights participants in the 2016 James McLaughlin Memorial Staff Show, on view through September 19, 2016.

MIke Guy, “Tunnel Vision”

Mike Guy

Mike Guy, Photo: Rhiannon Newman

Mike Guy is an artist who has been active across the DC area. He received formal training from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, studying fiber arts under Fyuko Matsubara, with a focus in silk painting and printmaking. Since then, he has exhibited in galleries across DC, Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. He has also done large-scale mural projects for schools and businesses in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Mike has independently created pieces for companies including DC Vote, WeWork, Ted X, and the National Academy of Sciences.

What do you do at The Phillips Collection? Are there any unique/interesting parts about your job that most people might not know about?

I am a Museum Supervisor. The most interesting part is being able to walk through the museum first thing in the morning when all the lights are off. It’s always nice to have the first thing in your day be seeing some great art.

Who are your favorite artists in the collection?

Top three are Kandinsky, van Gogh, and Tack.

What is your favorite gallery or space within The Phillips Collection?

I am partial to the mural on the back wall of the courtyard in the alley (by four artists from Senegal) since I was the lead assistant for it.

What would you like people to know about your artwork on view in the 2016 Staff Show (or your work in general)?

This painting is from my series of silk paintings Dormant. Each painting consists of one single line, which is quickly created on the silk. The nature of this method makes it so that you can’t go back and edit or erase lines after they have been laid out. I then go into the painting and add layers of color while reflecting on the initial movement in an attempt to find a balance. Each painting is a portrait, but instead of focusing on just the person, I blend them into their environment.

Find more of Guy’s artwork on his website.

The 2016 James McLaughlin Memorial Staff Show is on view August 14 through September 19, 2016.

Staff Show 2016: Elizabeth Sampson

Posted on September 2, 2016 by Emily Bray

In this series, Education Specialist for Public Programs Emily Bray highlights participants in the 2016 James McLaughlin Memorial Staff Show, on view through September 19, 2016.

Elizabeth Sampson, “Peshawar Series: Gulmeena and Spina”

Elizabeth Sampson

Elizabeth Sampson, Photo: Rhiannon Newman

Tell us about yourself and your work.

As an artist who grew up in Peshawar, Pakistan I find myself affected by current events and social issues that are consuming that area of the world. Pakistan today is a changing country. At times, its people are being overtaken by disasters both natural and unnatural. Suicide bombs. Drone attacks. Floods. The daily tragedies of Pakistan haunt my work as I turn from the past and am shaken by the present. I paint in response to the violent and tragic events occurring in my home. This work reflects my narrative as a multi-national artist caught in the crossfire between the East and the West.

What do you do at The Phillips Collection?

I am a School Programs Educator.

Who is/are your favorite artist/artists in the collection?

Jacob Lawrence. I think the struggle and determination of people in transition shown through The Migration Series resonates so strongly throughout the globe.

What is your favorite gallery or space within The Phillips Collection?

I enjoy the “Klee” corner.

What would you like people to know about your artwork on view in the 2016 Staff Show (or your work in general)?

This work is a reference to my childhood in Pakistan. I was inspired by Pakistani miniature paintings of myths and sagas, and created my own scenes of memories of my home country.

Find more of Sampson’s work on her website.

The 2016 James McLaughlin Memorial Staff Show will be on view August 16 through September 19, 2016. The show features artwork from the Phillips Collection staff.

Staff Show 2016: Travis Ferguson

Posted on August 31, 2016 by Emily Bray

In this series, Education Specialist for Public Programs Emily Bray highlights participants in the 2016 James McLaughlin Memorial Staff Show, on view through September 19, 2016.

Travis Ferguson, “We were suppose to meet…”

Travis Ferguson

Travis Ferguson, Photo: Rhiannon Newman

Tell us about your work.

I like to experiment with material and media, ideas and experiences. But most of all making art, learning and having fun is what I do.

What do you do at The Phillips Collection? Are there any unique/interesting parts about your job that most people might not know about?

I am a Museum Assistant and ambassador for the museum. The most interesting aspect of working at the Phillips is interacting with museum visitors; everybody brings their life experiences to museum. Listening to and seeing the reactions of people to the artwork is always fun.

Who are your favorite artists in the collection?

That’s like asking to compare “good” and “bad” art. To me there is no such thing. Art is subjective; sure, technically an artist can master a subject, but to me each piece of art uniquely invokes an emotional response. All of the art at the Phillips are my favorites!

What is your favorite gallery or space within The Phillips Collection?

The Music Room.

What would you like people to know about your artwork on view in the 2016 Staff Show (or your work in general)?

I’m just happy to share my passion for art with others. If you want to know more about me or my art, buy me a drink and we’ll contemplate the intricacies of life together.

The 2016 James McLaughlin Memorial Staff Show is on view August 14 through September 19, 2016.