We had the good fortune of connecting with Phillip Payne and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Phillip, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was raised in Sedona until I was 9 at which age my family and I moved to the Navajo Reservation. My Father was an artist, pilot, and entrepreneur and so he was able to support us while living there. My parents also took me with them when they traveled and so I got to see a lot of the world growing up as well. It was a really great childhood and I was exposed to a lot of different cultures. It definitely impacted my choices heavily. My Dad was a professional artist with a deep love of history so our travels definitely had a art / history focus to them. I developed my own appreciation for the way art comments on and connects us with other people and stories. That is definitely the goal behind Anticus. We really want to enrich peoples lives with masterfully created Fine Art, Literature, and even Jewelry. And help them find pieces that connect their tastes and stories with their own friends and family.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It can be hard for an artist to talk about their work. You see art is, in my opinion at least, one of the hardest careers to choose. There is not a barrier to entry, as in there being a required degree, and anyone can claim the title. But to me a true artist has three things that make him stand out from the rest. First is the pursuit of mastery. Wether it is the art of cooking, writing, or making bronze sculptures there is always more to learn and that self education is paramount in the creative world. The second thing is Vulnerability. And this can be the hardest element. It is easy to copy another successful artist. In Karaoke sometimes we hear people with amazing voices. But the vulnerability that comes out from someone who creates their own sound, writes their own songs, or breaks away from the accepted and expected is one of the scariest things that a human being can do. Well that and falling in love. And like falling in love, being vulnerable with your creativity and putting it out there where it will inevitably be judged and criticized is one of the most admirable and difficult things that an artist can do. The third thing would be humility. I don’t think a person can really inspire others if he isn’t inspired himself by the world or people around him. For me it is a constant struggle to pursue these elements. I have been fortunate to make a living with my art since I was 15. I hope that people will share my journey with me and I promise to do my best in pursuing these three tenants in my art and in my life and I look forward to seeing who I meet along the way that resonates with my art and message.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well I would definitely walk the art district in Old Town. So much great art and real masters to see and appreciate. The Botanical gardens are a must see and I enjoy Odysea when I feel like I need to be surrounded by water. There are so many great restaurants in Scottsdale. I love Second Story for their whiskey selection and the food that chef Chris makes is a work of art. Also we would have to go to Sizzle, Korean BBQ. Thats my favorite food. I would probably end up dragging them to some of the Karaoke spots in town. Of course I think they would love visiting my art gallery / bookstore. Anticus is a great place to catch our breath and get to know each-other or catch up.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First for me is of course my parents. Thank you for guiding me in not only business but in caring about other people. Also Jim and Marilyn Dean, my business partners. Without you both this dream life that I’m blessed to be living would still just be a dream.

Website: phillippayne.com anticus.com
Instagram: chewbaccaandme and anticusgallery
Facebook: anticusgallery

Nominate someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.