Phillip “Swede” Hickok is currently a long-term artist in resident at Englewood Arts located in Independence, Missouri. He was born in Gothenburg, Sweden and grew up in Littleton, Colorado. Swede attended the glass trade school, Riksglaskolan, in Orrefors, where he obtained his certificate of Journeyman in Glass, and studied Grall and Swedish overlay techniques, both of which he uses on much of his work.

In 2019, he began his studies at the Danish Royal Academy of Fine Arts where he focused on glass design. During his time at the academy, he researched contemporary glass design and soon found a love for assembly and instillation art. Swede completed his Bachelor of Craft in Glass Design in June of 2023. He has exhibited both internationally and nationally, has been a resident artist at several distinct residencies, and has also completed internships in France, Denmark, and Hawaii. He continues to strive for personal balance between concept and craft, by pushing the boundaries of the material and incorporating other materials, such as wood and metal.