Philip Knowles
Born in 1962 and raised near Seattle, I’ve been creating art in some way for my whole life —exploring everything from drawing and painting to batik, screen printing, and imaginative design.
Initially pursuing pre-med studies at Carroll College due to a strong interest in biology, I eventually shifted paths to follow my true passion. I earned a degree in Studio Art from Western Washington University, blending fine art and graphic design, and later studied Illustration at Otis Art Institute of Parsons School of Design in Los Angeles.
Early in my career, I balanced part-time work in sign painting and graphic design with freelance illustration, steadily building the foundation for my full-time art practice.
In 1990, I began my career in the video game industry as an environment artist, which was the start of over three decades of creative work across evolving technologies, from 8-bit graphics to high-fidelity 3D, visual effects, and concept art. I eventually moved into Art Direction on major PC and console titles for studios including Zipper Interactive, Sony, Signal Studios, ArenaNet, and Oculus with a recent focus on leading external development teams.
Though my personal art took a back seat during parts of my career, it was never far away. My mother, a talented craftswoman, discovered tarnished, corroded electrical fixtures found on the beach, which inspired a renewed creative path. Their weathered textures and forms sparked a long-term exploration of shape, surface, and abstraction. Whether painting, woodblock carving, or printing, I embrace subject matter that I find unique, visually intriguing, has a tactile nature, and is vehicle for interesting use of color. Which I hope leads to expressive and interesting work.
I live and work in Kirkland, Washington, with my amazing wife Sharon. After 30+ years together, we share a love of travel, music, the outdoors, and time with our growing family. As I shift toward full-time studio work, I continue to explore new directions in both process and form.
I hope you enjoy and thank you for visiting my site.
Phil