How It Began

Growing up at the dead end of a street on a large wooded lot running alongside a creek, Philip’s family often spoke of how busy his guardian angel must be watching over him while he played. This became most obvious when he was three years old and he fell head first down the creek bank coming to an abrupt stop only inches from the water. As a child, Philip was an eager explorer and prone to mischief; family and friends mused about him possibly having an entire troop of angels working overtime to keep him out of harm’s way.

He was again reminded of the importance of angels in his life when in 1995 his 16-year old brother, Alexander, committed suicide leaving his family shocked and devastated. What they didn’t know at the time was just how central and transformative “angels” would become to all of them. Soon after the funeral, overwhelmed by the sadness and confusion, Philip’s mother sent him to spend an afternoon with his much beloved friend and kindergarten teacher Miss Page. Upon his return home he came flying into their den holding a picture of an angel yelling “Momma, Momma! Don’t worry! Don’t worry! He’s out of the box!” Miss Page, having explained resurrection to him, had put his mind and heart at ease knowing his brother was no longer in “the box” as Philip referred to the casket. As a reminder, she gave him a picture of an angel that was placed on the wall over his bed. This simple image provided Philip with tremendous consolation and peace throughout the rest of his childhood.

In 2003, a dear family friend, Becky McCutchen, became ill with a very serious form of leukemia. It was only natural that Philip would want to send her an angel to help comfort and reassure her. He sat down one day at the kitchen counter and began practicing drawing angel after angel. After countless tries and dogged determination, he finally created one he liked. His mom then suggested that he paint it on a canvas.Within a short amount of time, his brightly colored creation was on its way to Houston where Becky was awaiting a bone marrow transplant. Deeply awed by Philip’s gift, Becky strongly urged him to continue with his painting art. Later when his godmother learned of his painting, she offered to be his agent. With this wonderful support and encouragement, he began painting in earnest.

His first art sale was at his church bazaar where he and his sister Molly set up a booth with about 30 paintings. In no time at all they were sold out and those who had missed their chance to buy one were asking him to please paint some more. Another very successful show soon followed at his godmother’s home. As word spread around town, the State newspaper heard about Philip and asked to write a story about him. His next show that was held after the story was published was such a hit that over 100 paintings were sold in less than 45 minutes.

Since then Philip’s success as an artist has continued not only in terms of sales but even more importantly as his holy gift has touched so many lives. The joy and love he has spread near and afar is immeasurable. The hope in his heart remains constant and his spirit, like that of an angel’s, continues to soar.