MINI-INTERVIEW #4: PHIL SIMPSON

Artist/Designer Phil Simpson is one of those cats whose name you’re probably going to hear when you mention the great Modern Artists in America. With a successful showcase at his debut art show, as well as a line of clothing hitting the streets soon, Simpson is making major moves. Fortunately, before Phil becomes one of those weird artists cats that don’t do interviews (lol, just kidding y’all…Phil is one of the coolest dudes you’ll ever meet), I got a chance to get in contact with Phil, see what projects he has in the works, his opinion about certain subjects, and, of course, chat with him about sneakers and streetwear.

Phil Simpson: Man before we start, I just want to say thanks for the opportunity to be a part of the world’s famous Cliff Notes. Also thanks for being patient, things been crazy.

Cliff Skighwalker: Phil, what’s been good with you fam? What’s been going on with you up to this point?
Phil Simpson: Man, just been working hard, I work for Michigan Works during the day, I recently joined a few community groups, Working on Freshman Clothing, Phaint Couture and always working on my Art.

SW: Now I apologize once again for not making it out to your art show. In your mind, how did everything go? Is there anything you would change to make it better?
PS: It was a great evening; it was first my show in the city in Detroit a few years, I was able to show some of my most recent work, plus bring back some of the oldies. If I had to change anything, it would have been the weather, it was sick, I am talking about 3-4 inches in just a few hours. Close friends and family still made it out to show love, thank you so much. You can check out my blog, phillipdarnellsimpson.blogspot.com, I posted a few photos from the art show. Thanks to the gallery owner J.Rainey, Beautiful spot.

SW: Explain to some of my readers about your style of art.
PS: Sometimes I ask myself the same thing, not sure if I really have a style. I think I am trying to find my style as we speak. Some of my work I would consider realistic, I enjoy the fine details but I also have some abstract work I am working on.

SW: Some of the pieces that I got to view from your art show were of many iconic figures in the world of sports. How has sports influenced your artwork?
PS: Yeah Man, I am a huge fan of sports. I will have more sports paintings coming soon. So far, I have Barry Sanders, Michael Jordan, Ali, Tiger Woods, and Serena Williams. Magic Johnson, Joe Montana and Jerry Rice in the works now, should be nice. There are a lot of sports icons out there but I loved painting those who I actually watched over the years. I may work on a series of 25 Sports pieces, stay tuned…

SW: Back in the day, what got you into your art?
PS: I honestly believe it was a gift from GOD. My mother can remember me drawing at a very young age. That’s not surprising because most kids draw but the amazing fact is that I never stopped. Some of earliest drawings date back to 90-91. And that’s of the drawings I can find, lol

SW: Who inspired you back then?
PS: I have to give thanks to two special women, my mother Yvonne Simpson and Art Teacher Joyce Ivory. I was blessed with a mother that believed in my dreams and supported my every move. At an early age Mrs. Ivory became my Saturday Art Teacher. It was a way for me to stay out the streets and do what I love most. Changed my life!

SW: Who/What did you like to draw back then?
PS: I look back at some of my drawings from my past and laugh, a lot of comic and cartoon characters. Funny Stuff

SW: Who inspires you know?
PS: I think I am inspired most by History, Movies, Family, other Artist, Pop Culture, Fashion, Music and Friends.

SW: Me being a jazz musician and you being an artist, we both share some of the same ideas when it comes to pushing the envelope for better fine arts programs at an early age. How do you think the urban area can further push opening the minds of these young kids?
PS: Man, how can I put this, Art saved my life, no telling what I would be doing if I did not attend those Saturday art classes, if I was not active in the art programs at an early age. I was never a bad kid but let’s just say the arts kept me with a positive attitude towards life.

SW: What got you into design clothing? I’ve being hearing about this clothing line that you have that is about to pop off. What is it called?
PS: Yeah man, It’s called Freshman Clothing Company. Well I have been interested in Fashion for years now. Started off making my own clothes freshman year at U of M, bleaching my jeans, painting on my shirts, custom making my shoes, everything!!!, Once I taught myself Photoshop Freshman Clothing was born.

SW: What sets your line apart from all these other pop-up clothing lines?
PS: Man, Freshman was born from my heart, Everything from the title, logo, shirt designs, and concept. One of my quotes are” Be Fresh or Be Nothing at all”. I truly believe in this quote. For the fresh ladies out there, FresHer coming next spring, UHHHHH It’s going to be sick, Freshman is Here.

SW: Now, I’ve been able to see some of your kicks that you have customized. What got you into combining your art skills into sneakers?
PS: It was natural for me to customize my kicks and clothing but I was a rookie, It’s a new kid on the block now, New and improved Sneaker Artist. Eric from El Cappy Customs may have some of the illest customs yet.

SW: What is your favorite pair of sneakers (that you own)?
PS: I only own a few, lol I must say I love my Ice Creams, I got the Board Flip Joints in two different color ways, Purple and yellow boys and the green and pink joints, crazy. Reasonable prices, plus comfort.

SW: What is the last pair of kicks that you’ve bought?
PS: Just recently I found a pair of the Urban Samurai Pack, Air force joints, Love em.

SW: What is your favorite pair of sneakers out (that you don’t own)
PS: Go to go with the Undefeated Dunk Boys, There are many dunks and air max that I love but the I have always wanted the Undefeated dunks, the colors are mean.

SW: Your view on the current state of streetwear and how you tend to be different?

PS: I think it’s a beautiful thing. Streetwear is real. When everyone is trying to be different, it ends up being the same S*#t. I don’t worry too much about being different. Freshman will be Freshman.

SW: Other than your own clothing line, what is your favorite clothing line?
PS: Well, I will always love Uncle Ralphie, love to The Hundreds, Crooks & Castles and 10 Deep. Look forward to meeting the owners soon.

SW: What is your favorite store for sneakers and streetwear in and around the D?
PS: Burn Rubber All Day, Shouts out to Rick and Ro.

SW: Your favorite spot for sneakers and streetwear outside of the D?
PS: Wish Atlanta hands down. The presentation is sick. It’s located in Little Five Points. It’s a great Vibe down there. It’s an old library so there is wood and book shelves throughout the store. Clean look. Not to mention the high quality fashion.

SW: By the end of 2008 what does Phil Simpson hope to accomplish??
PS: I plan on having a few more Art Shows. I plan on working with the community, helping more children in the inner city/ plan on introducing THE FRESH KIDS this summer, THE FRESH KIDS being Freshman Clothing’s own Skate Team. We got some of the dopest kids from Detroit, Roseville, Highland Park and Royal Oak. It’s going to be nasty for this summer, 08 should be a great year.