Philip Catania's interest in painting and drawing started as soon as he was able to hold a pencil. His education includes graduation from the High School of Art and Design in New York City, Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree, and the College of New Rochelle, NY from which he received a Master of Arts Degree in Art Education/Art Therapy.
Philip taught painting and drawing for approximately thirty-two years to a varied student population which included: adults, kindergarten to twelveth grade children, mentally and emotionally challenged adults, and correctional facility inmates. During the early part of his life, he entered competitions and received awards. Teaching changed his life. He focused his energies into promoting his students' artwork in various competitions and exhibitions where many of his students were honored and recognized.
When Philip moved his family to a small farm in Upstate New York in the 80's, he added "farmer" to his list of job titles. Learning to drive a tractor to cut, rake, and bale hay to feed thirty or more beef cows through the trial and error method has had its difficult moments, but Philip enjoyed the journey. The farm provides him with much subject matter to reflect upon and internalize. The material has been transfered to many of his drawings and paintings. Now that he has retired from teaching, he devotes much of his time to his artwork. Art is therapy for the mind and the soul while also providing insights into self-realization and self-evolvement.