COOL FRIENDS

Phil Panza

By
Coolstuff Team
May 19, 2023

Meet Phil, a multidisciplinary artist and designer based out of Brooklyn, New York. His work is a reflection of his surroundings, aiming to engage in play and an alternative view on everyday things. He focuses on bringing life into these spaces by creating “functional sculptures”—unique pieces made from natural materials that ask to be used in more ways than one while making you more present in the space they inhabit. We chatted with Phil to hear about what’s inspiring him now and to get a closer look at his pieces.

How did you start your career as a multidisciplinary artist?
I've always been creating and playing with different mediums from a young age but probably my first year out of college and living in the city. Would push Zines, silver jewelry, clothing and would work on various fabrication/ set design jobs. All until maybe 3 years ago when I started focusing on working/ selling my personal work which encapsulates a bit of all the mediums I've worked within thus far.

Do you have a favorite piece that you've created?
I'd Have to say my Yankee Hat chair.

What’s your favorite part about the New York creative community?
That it's fast and vast. There's a lot of creatives making cool shit, and a lot of ways to connect. The pace here is obviously quite fast, so it makes collaborating and the hustle of getting things done a bit easier than other places. Plus there's an abundance of spaces to show, see work, and work with.

What’s your favorite place in NYC?
Prospect Park.

What’s inspiring you right now?
As cliche as it sounds, everything from past to present

Follow Along:
@phil.panza on Instagram