Phoenix Coverley shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Phoenix, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Being in the ocean! Whether I’m surfing, swimming or just playing in the ocean, that is my happy place.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Phoenix. I’m an artist, writer and professor. I’ve always been a multidimensional person. I love sharing my appreciation for nature, especially surfing and hiking through art and writing. What makes my brand unique as far as my art, is my use of color, mark making and natural wood. Unlike many linocut print artists, I print onto wood or paper using a multi-colored reductive carving process. I then paint into the wood, creating a scene around the print image. This makes each piece unique. Many of my clients are attracted to my use of color combinations and the way I incorporate my love of the sea into my imagery, in both my visual art and poetry.
I’m excited to announce that I have recently finished my first book of poetry, Siren Tales which will be published by Daxon publishing this November. The book has three sections, 1. Rocking in the Cradle of the Earth, 2. Mortality: The Death of Idealism and 3. The Mirror that is Love. My poetry explores the human experience in each section, exploring the cycle of life, with nature as a metaphorical anchor. I am also working on my first novel and a series of mysteries. The novel is an adventure set in the Australian outback. It is loosely based on my experience living with aborigines and going on walkabout in the 1990s.
My Star Series paintings are on display at Stardust Float Spa on Midway in Point Loma and Kilowatt Brewing in Ocean Beach. My ocean themed linocut prints are available for purchase at The Gallery at Lands End and @coast.phoenix .
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Becoming an adventure guide in my early twenties really shaped how I see the world. Being able to take people from all different walks of life on all types of adventures, from hiking and river rafting, to bungee jumping and ice climbing, taught me not to let societal expectations define myself or my potential. To take risks with people that I barely knew, and to survive sometimes harrowing experiences, that creates bonds and friendships that can last a lifetime. This seminal experience gave me the courage to travel extensively throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe, Australia and Central and South America. When I visit a new place, I want to know its story by tasting traditional food, walking in the wilds and connecting to the elders. Being a guide to others gave me the confidence to explore on my own. We all have the potential to explore and grow beyond our comfort zone, you just have to be willing to take that leap!
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I use both writing and visual art to transform pain into power. One of the most powerful things about creating art or poetry is I can share something very personal with the world, not by telling, but by showing. Because art is often symbolic or expressive, the message is undefined, which leaves it open for interpretation. This allows for the magic of interaction between the viewer or reader and the art, leaving a place for them to relate to the piece in a way that is personal to them. What’s powerful is being able to create that connection through art and writing. I hope my art and writing encourages others to move beyond their own pain, or see it in a new light.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
In friends, bosses or businesses, I always choose character over power. Power is a dangerous vice. Most people who have it abuse it. Character is something that is built, not bought. To me, that is true value.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow from art and writing, or even teaching, I think my customers and students would most miss my honesty and compassion. In our internet obsessed society that is so absorbed by the marketing mentality, honesty seems to be missing from most interactions. It may not always be what you want to hear, but what you want and what you need to grow are different beasts. I think honesty and compassion are at the heart of human interaction. That is where you form true friendships.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://phoenixsees.wixsite.com/phoenixseas/about-phoenixseas
- Instagram: @pixie_gangsta @coast.phoenix @phoenixseas
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoenix-coverley-46a4209
- Facebook: PHOENIXSEAS
- Other: Look for my poetry book, Siren Tales out in November!
Image Credits
All photos by Phoenix Coverley
