Ep.70 Phil Newcombe | Train Your Brain to Think Differently for Growth

This episode features Philip Newcombe, an artist and educator based in Reading. The discussion centres on his artistic journey, his minimal and concept-driven work, the challenges facing the local art scene, and his philosophy on creativity.

The conversation delves into his background, then moves to his artistic practice, which focuses on objects, sculpture, and text presented in minimal settings. Phil aims to challenge people and get them to think for themselves, playing with "notions of beauty and time". He encourages aspiring artists to "always believe in what you do" and "never listen to anyone else".

Finally, the discussion touches on the local art scene and collaboration. Phil notes the Reading visual arts scene is always a struggle, though the music scene has always been prolific. He highlights the need for artists to stay in Reading and create long-lasting, artist-run spaces. He also discusses Silent Academy, an artist-run multimedia press he runs with Andrew Shaw, which has a desire to "disrupt habitual thinking". He concludes with his plans, including the quarterly publication How to Walk Slowly.

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Embrace "97% Thinking" to Achieve Breakthroughs: Innovation requires a period of deliberate thought and incubation, even if it looks like inactivity. Encourage time for reflection, research, and non-linear thinking, rather than always optimising for speed. The goal is to move from a long, unrefined idea to a "really concise message," which takes significant effort and patience.

Disrupt Habitual Thinking by Challenging Assumptions: The Silent Academy is run by Phil and his colleague, Andrew Shaw. Phil suggests the best way o challenge assumptions is to be attuned to the world, noticing the "glimpses”. Constantly question "how things are expected to be done". By putting familiar objects or ideas back into a new context, you can refocus attention on basic elements like shape, form, and colour, which can reveal overlooked strategic insights or market positioning.

Use Trust and Space to Maximise Collaboration: Successful collaboration requires setting aside egos and offering mutual trust. The key is to "take a step back and listen" and give the collaborator "carte blanche". This process, though sometimes uncomfortable, puts you in a position to "adapt" and receive new creative "dividends" you hadn't considered. Define a collaborative framework where partners feel trusted and empowered to challenge you, even if it makes you "uncomfortable".

 

 

TIME CODES

00:00 Introduction to Phil Newcombe

00:23 Phil’s background

01:37 How the Reading art scene has changed over the years

03:25 What makes art a good form of communication

05:33 Phil’s work

09:54 You need to train yourself to undertake a creative process

10:54 Phil’s creative process

12:45 How you can take the ordinary and make it extraordinary

13:43 Lessons Phil has learned from the exhibitions that he’s done

14:58 How Phil found his international exhibitions

16:03 Know your audience!: Is your work for you or an audience?

17:04 Silent Academy: How audiences can challenge their own perceptions

16:43 How Phil collaborates with other artists

20:52 Phil’s plans going forwards

23:26 Phil’s final thoughts