Exhibitions & Showings
Best in Show
Kirkland Arts Center
Group Show
Sep 18 - Oct 09, 2026
Illuminate
Graphite Arts Center
Group Show
Aug 14 - Oct 03, 2026
DennyFest
O. O. Denny Park
Outdoor Festival Booth
Aug 15, 2026

Philip Knowles
Born and raised near Seattle, Phil’s lifelong creative practice bridges traditional fine art, printmaking, and over three decades of visual development. Originally studying pre-med and biology before pivoting to earn a degree in Studio Art from Western Washington University and pursuing illustration at Otis Art Institute, his work sits at the intersection of organic curiosity and deliberate design.
For more than thirty years, Phil built a distinguished career in the video game industry as an artist and Art Director—steering visual worlds across evolving technologies, from 8-bit graphics to high-fidelity 3D environments. This deep immersion in spatial design, world-building, and digital craftsmanship continually informed his personal practice behind the scenes.
Today, Phil’s studio work centers on an exploration of shape, tactile surface, and expressive color. Inspired by weathered textures, patinated surfaces, and found forms—a direction ignited by beachcombed, corroded industrial artifacts—he translates intriguing subject matter into paintings, woodblock carvings, and prints. Across every medium, his intent is to transform raw, tactile observations into compelling visual narratives that celebrate form, depth, and abstraction.
Based in Kirkland, Washington, Phil is currently focused on full-time studio practice, continually exploring new directions in process, material, and form.
I hope you enjoy and thank you for visiting my site.
Phil