Mike Phillips

Mike was born in New Mexico and is a direct descendent of the Choctaw Indians. He was exposed to Apache, Navajo, Pueblo and Zuni cultures which inspired him to create turned wood and alabaster vessels from their designs, including unique pieces which combine these two materials.
He began turning wood many years ago, and later began working with Alabaster after a visit to Tuscany, Italy, where he was introduced to Alabaster as an art medium.

His formal technique training has been through wood-turning seminars from internationally-known turners.

However, more important to the artistry of his pieces has been intensive self-study of Southwest Indian basketry and pottery, from which he has developed the shapes of his vessels.