Phillis Ideal was born in Roswell, New Mexico. She received her BFA at the University of New Mexico and her MFA at UC Berkeley. In the early 1980’s she moved to New York where she continued teaching and exhibiting. At the present, she continues to spend her time in both her native state, New Mexico and in New York City. Ideal has exhibited nationally at major museums and galleries. Her work is included in numberous private, coporate and public collections.