Philip’s creative journey, while rooted in art, is deeply shaped by his academic background in philosophy, and his work provides a window into his intellectual exploration of people, place, and the human condition.
“Although art was my first love, I went on to study philosophy and pursue an academic life that left little time for it,” Philip reflects. “After retirement, when I no longer had teaching and administrative commitments, I was free to engage in painting alongside research and writing.”
This return to his roots has not only reawakened his passion for painting but also opened up new layers of artistic expression. For Philip, the relationship between art and philosophy is not as distant as it might appear.
Art and philosophy may seem quite unlike one another—the one appealing to the senses and emotions, the other intellectual and guided by reason. Yet, like philosophy, art can be an exploration of ideas, whether of a metaphysical nature or of what is often called the human condition.
In fact, Philip’s background in philosophy has been instrumental in shaping his approach to the canvas. “The composition of paintings like mine requires a great deal of planning and analysis, not so far removed from the development and articulation of a piece of philosophical writing,” he explains. His meticulous process reflects this—each painting starts with detailed sketches, followed by drawings and a full-scale rendition before being transferred onto canvas. The precision in his approach mirrors his philosophical thinking, where structure and clarity are key.
One recurring theme in Philip’s work is the relationship between people and the spaces they inhabit. “The environment in which we live is largely a human construction,” he says, offering insight into his work’s depth. “It is designed to meet our needs and desires, and is therefore expressive of them. Individuals both shape and are shaped by the world they inhabit, and this is subject to endless variation.”
Philip’s art often begins with an exploration of characters within their environment, aiming to capture the essence of both. “When it comes to painting, I often begin by thinking about a character in an environment that is quintessentially theirs,” he shares. “The task then is how to present them in that environment in a way which brings this out.”
His time spent living in inner Sydney, where the urban landscape provided much of the inspiration for his early works, is evident in the richness of his paintings. “The urban environment in Adelaide is very different, of course, and my interest in people and place naturally led me to explore its possibilities,” Philip notes. His exploration has focused on both the domestic architecture and public spaces of Adelaide, drawing particular attention to those familiar, quintessentially local spaces where Adelaideans go about their everyday lives.
This connection to place is further enriched by Philip’s admiration for fellow South Australian artist Jeffrey Smart. “I often delight in referring to artists whose work I particularly admire, whether in terms of ideas or compositional elements,” Philip explains. “Those who are familiar with the work of the Adelaide-born and bred artist Jeffrey Smart will recognise his influence in several of my paintings.”
For Philip, his “retirement” from academia has been a creative renaissance. “Retirement can present a challenge, especially for those whose lives have been deeply immersed in the world of work,” he acknowledges. “My good fortune is that philosophy and art are intrinsically fulfilling, so that my so-called retirement has been an opportunity to immerse myself in these two loves of my life.”
As he reflects on his current artistic chapter, Philip’s motivation remains clear: “For me, painting is an attempt to reveal things about ourselves and the world in which we live, which, though not exactly hidden, need to be articulated and placed before us, in order that we may more fully understand ourselves.” This drive to contribute to a deeper understanding of life and society continues to shape his work. “If I manage to contribute to that in some small way, I would judge my efforts to be worthwhile.”
