Phil Gleason

Phil Gleason is a mixed media sculptor whose work is focused in visual deceptions through use of lights, mirrors, magnets, and glass, in which he creates a multitude of illusions. He can be described as a visual illusionist, who is constantly striving to create new and exciting mirages. Gleason's childhood interest in magic and card tricks has become an impetus for much of his current work and continues to be a driving force of inspiration to push boundaries in order to test the human eye. His creative process involves researching and discovering new illusions to transform into installations or sculptures. Originally from Minnesota, Gleason attained a BFA from the University of Minnesota and then traveled to Florida where he earned an MFA from Florida State University. His art mimics the optimal viewing angle or time frame for visual magic, working through forced perception to reveal seemingly endless, skewed, floating, or flattened 3D objects. Through mixed media sculpture and installation, Gleason works to suspend belief through visual illusions and other hidden optic deceptions. Through misconceptions such as balance, levitation, holograms, and other forced perspectives, Gleason shows signs of the technological advances man has made. He aims to challenge the viewers' sense of reality. Magnetic fields, gravity, lights, holograms, mirrors, electricity, and hidden mechanics are used to simulate these false impressions. The interactive effects make these artistic mysteries believable and authentic, and inspire viewers to look closer until the trick becomes lucid. In addition to working on his own art, Gleason is the Studio Manager at the FSU Master Craftsman Studio and has taught sculpture classes at Florida State University since 2008. He is the recipient of several awards, including first place in the Art in Gadsden Regional Exhibition of Fine Art and received the Audience Choice Award at the Rhino Gallery in LA. Gleason remains very active in art education and community practices, such as, being a local Effects Coordinator and Creator, and prior board member for the Sculpture Garden in Tallahassee, FL. He has presented at the 24th Art in Gasden Winner's Talk and was a lecturer at the Mary Brogan Museum of Art & Science.