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. Contact me via this video comment section and I can either send you a photo copy or a link to a pdf of the book.

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