Phillip Hay was born in Sydney and left school at 15 to complete an electrical/mechanical trade. In 1980 he rejected traditional society, leaving his friends, career and secure lifestyle to be part of an artistic community within the upper Blue Mountains in NSW.
This began a period of introspection and self exploration in which he was drawn to the performing as well as the visual arts. In the 25 year period to follow, he developed skills in theatre, dance, stage magic, painting and sculpture, the latter becoming his professional focus.
The mud brick home and studio in which he lives and works is nestled amongst bushland overlooking ironstone escarpments. The native grass and fishpond behind the house attracts parrots, kangaroos and blue tongue lizards, thus creating a sanctuary for artistic pursuits. Today Phillip spends his time refining welding techniques and developing the ideas that come from his passion for nature and music.
Classical themes and archetypes of the soul intuitively emerge in his work and are the result of a life of introspection in conjunction with self inquiry. Sometimes the work is essentially visual harmony, at other times humorous or thought-provoking.
