Interview with Phillip Saraf 1992, Savannah, Georgia
Well-known Savannah artist, Philip Saraf was interviewed by an art history student in November 1992 about his life and art. Philip was born in Savannah, Georgia in April 1930 to Mary Gannam and George A. Saraf. He died in Savannah in June 2016.
Regarding several issues in the interview: Philip had recurring ear infections and his father did not believe in doctors and this led to him loosing his hearing. The family was not rich, but they always had enough to eat. They lived next door to Mary Gannam Saraf's father who had a small farm and later a small community grocery store.
This is the tribute I wrote in a book of his Christmas cards at the time of his passing. Some of the Christmas cards mentioned are in this video. The book is available for purchase for $35. Contact me via this video comment section and I will arrange for shipment.
Philip John Saraf, well-known Savannah artist and chef, beloved brother, uncle, cousin, mentor, friend, passed away peacefully June 9, 2016, surrounded by family and friends.
Philip John Saraf, the oldest son of George Abdulkerim Saraf and Mary Gannam, was born April 23, 1930 in Savannah, Georgia. Philip lost his hearing at a very early age, so school was difficult for him. He graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic School and attended Benedictine High School for a short time, but left to attend vocational school where he trained to be a dental technician. Philip worked in dental labs in Atlanta, Albany and Savannah for 47 years.
Philip painted from the heart and saw beauty in simple things. Many of his paintings are of shacks, sheds, and farms around Clyo in Effingham County and he often included chickens - a sign to him of happiness. His paintings grace the walls of family, friends and countless others who purchased his works at art festivals, county fairs and shows around the South over the past 50 years. Despite his declining health, Philip continued to paint and participate in local art shows and win awards until the end. In 2010, his painting entitled "Grandmother Comin' Home" was chosen to be part of the Treasures from the Telfair II exhibit in the Greer Gallery, and in April 2013, Philip's cherished painting of his friends basket maker Henry Burns and his wife Marie entitled "Country Gothic" won the People's Choice Award at the Landings Art Association Spring Art Show.
Philip was a giver and generous to a fault. He loved to entertain people in his humble abode and feed them with the beauty of his paintings, his remarkable stories, and the epicurean delights he created from scratch in his kitchen. This was perhaps most evident at Christmas time. He proclaimed the birth of the Christ child in his beautiful Christmas cards and shared words of wisdom about life and the season. For many decades those cards included an invitation to visit during the Christmas holidays - to enjoy Philip's hospitality, holiday decorations and culinary delights. The memories of those visits and the Christmas cards themselves are treasured by many.
Philip was a teacher and a mentor, always ready to share his love for painting, cooking and life with anyone who showed an eagerness to learn or listen. He was a deeply religious man, always thankful for the simple joys in life and the richness and beauty of God's creation. He was a kind and gentle soul and believed that every day was a gift from God. The world is a better place because he lived and we are better people for having known him.
Kim Marie Fischer Peters - September 2016
-
26:26
Studio International Art Magazine
1 year agoShanti Panchal: interview | Harrow | 13 December 2022
49 -
2:00:02
TheMissingLinkLive
6 months agoInterview 627 with David Nicoll
1.9K25 -
2:06:10
TheMissingLinkLive
3 months agoInterview 694 with Gilbert Vachon
1.39K1 -
1:57:54
MG Show
11 months ago $6.94 earnedA Conversation with Miriam Grossman
17.5K8 -
16:35
Studio International Art Magazine
1 year agoRachel Maclean, interview | Spite Your Face | Scotland + Venice 2017
67 -
2:25:36
TheMissingLinkLive
1 year agoInterview 343 with Dallas Hills
99420 -
29:06
Studio International Art Magazine
1 year agoMark Francis interview | London, 2 March 2022
23 -
2:49:22
The Full English Show
1 year agoSummer Conference Runnymede 27th August 2023 JFK + Granville Sharpe
6.39K152 -
2:08:33
TheMissingLinkLive
1 year agoInterview 337 with Melissa Serna (Mel)
4645 -
3:00:32
We The People - Constitutional Conventions
1 year agoJesse Hal interview with Dallas Hills Oct 12th
5.16K13