About Phelim Donfield, Artist

Painting has been a part of my life since I was a child. It has shaped and moulded so much of who I am. Selling a painting to a neighbour when I was seven made me realise that perhaps there was something in it worth pursuing as a career. It was how I spent every holiday thereafter, calling door to door with my paintings under my arm.

It was a wonderful learning ground for understanding not just the practicalities of living in and from the arts, but also the ability to sell not just the art but myself and to tell the story and explain the process. Although initially interested in attending art college, at the last minute I chose to remain self taught, believing in a philosophy of learning to draw by drawing and to paint by painting. Despite occasional challenges I've never looked back.

I am ever curious and aware. As an artist living in the countryside but often working in an urban setting I collect and absorb fragments and particles of the world around me. These sights, sounds and smells  often form the basis of an idea,  growing organically and reflected in my work. These ideas usually start out small and simplistically and evolve through experimentation and play.

Deconstruction and reconstruction are also an integral part of this process. I am also influenced by light and its ability to create emotional highs  when applied to pigment but also in the natural world. It has always been and remains a constant source of wonder and glory to me.

Teaching and motivating others to explore and develop their creativity has featured largely in my life since my teens. I take great joy and feel enormous pride watching those I teach continually surprise themselves and surpass their expectations. This constant engagement contributes to my work and outlook, giving me a broader perspective, allowing me to question and examine both the ordinary and the obscure.