Meet Philip Van Cott, a talented artist, loving family man, brave marine, respected Vietnam Veteran and favorite friend.  We talk about growing up with a view of the Statue of Liberty, the best decision he ever made, how he felt the first time he put a paint brush in his hand, the discipline of a daily habits, lard bread and why he hopes his last words will be “I did not know that”. 

Born in Brooklyn New York, Philip Van Cott attended Catholic School, joined the Marine Corps and was deployed to Vietnam.  He became a member of Mike 3/7, a frontline marine riffle company.  In 1966 he was injured and returned to US soil.  At the age of forty, he enrolled in the University of Hartford Art School and his first series of artwork was inspired by his childhood playing in the streets of Brooklyn.  His work has also been influenced by his experience as a 20-year-old Marine in the rice paddies and jungles of Vietnam.   His art includes his breathtaking vibrant floral work and stunning abstracts.

Philip and his amazing wife Karen will be celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary this year.  They enjoy spending time with friends and their beautiful family, including two sons and five grandchildren.  Phil is well known for his delicious cooking often utilizing his Italian heritage in his dishes.

Phil has been featured in two documentaries.   A Face Of War released in 1968 followed Phil’s platoon and has been called one of the great Vietnam documentaries directed by Eugene S. Jones and available on You Tube.

Phil and other Vietnam Veterans appear in the Apple TV series Vietnam: The War That Changed America narrated by Ethan Hawke and released in January 2025.

To connect with Phil or inquire about his artwork, you can email him at [email protected]

Phil’s next art show will be – The Vibrant Florals of Philip Van Cott on Saturday, April 27, 2025, 12:00pm to 5:00pm at The Norcross House, 89 Maple Street, East Longmeadow, MA  01028.

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Thank you to the episode sponsor- Good To Be Me, Discovering What Makes Me Special & Unique. This 5-star reviewed interactive book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and can be requested at your favorite bookstore.

Music by Pond5, Composer -Yasmine Mia Steele

Sound Editing by Textures Sound

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