Meet Phill Bourque | Muralist/artist

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

Hi Phill, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Growing up in a small town south of Boston, most people worked to provide for their families or just simply to survive. It helped grow a good work ethic but everyone usually hated their job or just stuck with it because it was practical or paid the bills. There wasn’t much wonder or excitement except for two days over the weekend that you were given freedom to let loose or enjoy yourself before another tough week of work. I was always a huge fan of drawing, painting and the whole creative process. Physically challenging your creativity with a notebook or canvas. Unfortunately, people around me always told me to get a “real” job or something that was more practical for a career.
I lied to my parents and said I had a job lined up out west, I didn’t. Ended up living with one of my best friends and sleeping on a small couch for about 8 months and finally getting my footing doing murals around town.
About 10 years later, I do art full time and have the opportunity to create art around the country, painting walls and living the life of a traveling artist. Taking risks and trusting your journey is important for growth. You can’t level up if you never dream of a better life or take matters into your own hands.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It has always been a part of my DNA, creating and helping others become inspired with the colors and designs that I spill onto the page, wall or canvas. I’ve been painting professionally for about 6 years and have been inspired by art ever since I was a kid. About a decade ago, started my journey into the mural game, painting walls for a living. This was a long process and many years of consistent practice and dedication to the craft.
It gives me a lot of freedom and brings me to many different areas of the country and the world.
Painting murals is more than creating an image, it has more of a labor aspect where the wall needs to be primed and cared for even before the actual painting begins. I’m also a huge fan of impacting someone’s surroundings. Making them more excited about their space or just something they enjoy seeing on a regular basis. Giving back to the community and brightening up someone’s day.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Los Angeles in its entirety is so vast and different in every section of the city. I usually enjoy bars and restaurants with a fun and energetic atmosphere. For hiking I usually like to head down to Malibu creek state park, they filmed a couple sitcoms and movies down there and have a gorgeous little area to see some running water. Another one of my favorites is La Descarga in East a Hollywood, a former speak easy, that is high class and mysterious. You enter through a closet and walk down a spiral staircase. From there you can enjoy some incredible cocktails, dance in the cigar lounge or watch a live Cuban band perform while a burlesque dancer captivates the audience.
Other spots include Venice boardwalk and a couple of sushi/ramen spots downtown. It varies but Shin Sen Gumi never misses with their authentic ramen cuisine and add ons to tailor your meal exactly to your liking.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents who were stern but never doubted my journey and all the people along the way like managers and friends who saw the talent brewing within my goofy adolescent exterior.

Website: Www.pbartdesignla.com

Instagram: Pbourque77