Hello, I’m Phil.
I’ve spent the past decade in South Korea exploring how people make things, share ideas, and sometimes accidentally build entire creative communities. Since 2013 I’ve run arts magazines, podcasts, exhibitions, music shows, photo walks, and even an audio-visual festival — all ambitious experiments fueled by curiosity and a perhaps overly optimistic belief that I could simply “figure it out.” Along the way I learned plenty about collaboration, burnout, and the fine art of biting off slightly more than I can chew.
After a much-needed pause, I’m returning to what started everything for me: making things regularly, without waiting for perfection. My new project, Trying to Fail, is a yearlong experiment starting in 2026 where I make one short video every week — testing new mediums, revisiting abandoned ones, and embracing the fact that failure is often the most interesting part. Its companion newsletter series, The Unlearning Curve, shares the behind-the-scenes reflections: what worked, what didn’t, what I learned, and what I’m unlearning as I go (usually the hard way).
I still organize and promote the occasional event that feels fun or meaningful, and you’ll find those updates here too. There’s also a growing Resources page mapping creative spaces I’ve found in my neighborhoods in Korea — equal parts practical tool and my ongoing attempt to keep track of everything.
I’m figuring all of this out in real time. If something here brings you value, inspiration, or a moment of “oh, same,” then I’m glad you found your way in.
Support
If you’d like to support the project, you can buy me a coffee anytime. My caffeine budget thanks you.
