Phelan (they /them) is a Deaf queer, Filipino-American artist based in Seattle, Washington. They have over ten years of graphic design experience and specialize in hand lettering and watercolors.
How did you become an artist?
Well, I think I've been creative ever since I can remember. I remember as a kid, one of the best gifts I've ever gotten was one of those huge art kits with the low-quality markers, pastels and paints. I thank my parents for nurturing this side of me and doing what they can to provide me with the materials I needed to keep going. I dived into making origami, learned how to knit from my aunt, and always strived to have similar handwriting like my sister and my mom. From there, I kept creating into my adulthood. I became exposed to watercolors in high school and from my very first set, I loved combining my love for calligraphy with my newfound hobby of playing with watercolors. As I got older, I noticed that many visuals and graphics in the Deaf community seemed dated and I wanted to expand on what could be and put a modern twist on ASL/Deaf art. That's what I intend to do with this shop.
Outside of creating art, what do you do in your day-to-day life?
In my professional life, I am an Outreach Coordinator for Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services. I soon will also start school to get my degree in social work in the hopes to become a Licensed Therapist for Deaf populations. I also create social media content online educating people about Deaf culture and sign language. I also enjoy cooking and watching shows like "Avatar: The Last Airbender". You can say I do a little bit of everything, I guess!
Social Work? Why not go to school for art or pursue art full-time?
Well, I haven't really written that possibility off my list. However, I do have a strong passion for social justice and mental health and I am hoping that as a social worker, I can use my artistic skills to fortify the services I provide. Perhaps, I can become licensed in art therapy or created high-quality presentations for consulting work on how to better work with the Deaf community. Only time will tell but I am confident that I can have the best of both worlds.
What's a special skill that you have that most people don't know about?
Hmm... I have to think about that one. I would say either I have killed more cactuses than I would like to admit OR I can read quite a bit of French. Not at all to native proficiency and I am getting rustier by the day but studying 6 years of French in high school and college gotta go somewhere in my brain.
More Q+A to come!