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Phoebe is a ceramic artist living and working in Bristol, her studio can be found in Kingswood on Bridge Road, where she runs her own practice along side teaching. ​ Her practice take two avenues, firstly exploring the functionality of everyday tableware, creating the perfect form to fit its intended use, bringing joy to its use in the home. Her second avenue of work is driven by a desire to challenge her skills as a maker and artist, creating one off pieces the speak of her dedication to learning her craft and the inspiration she draws from the landscape.

Inspiration.  

Practice

Phoebe's work is inspired by memories of land, sea and sky. Her connection to the natural environment is visceral, has a sensory impact and is an integral part of her artistic expression. She is less motivated by a desire to express a literal representation of her experience, but rather a sense of the feelings and moods imparted on her by her journeys through British countryside.

Her current body of work draws specifically on memories from her childhood home of North Norfolk, of the beautiful coast line and the big horizons. The changing of seasons and walks along the coast across the UK influence her pallet. It is her hope to that the ethereal quality of mark making and chosen tones combined with the fluid forms she creates make for more than just a visual experience but take on a much more physical presence.

Her journey through craft begun whilst studying a degree in Embroidery at Manchester Metropolitan University where she graduated in 2010. It was here that a love of process and traditional handcrafts were developed and nurtured. A fascination in the process of turning raw materials into new objects of function and beauty is of huge importance in the creation of all her work. 

Post university Phoebe found an increasing interest in more three-dimensional forms drew her to explore ceramics, where in pottery classes she felt a instant affiliation with both material and process.


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Challenging her understanding and knowledge of her craft is fundamental to the development of Phoebe's work, giving cause to continuously experiment with new forms and explore different glazes resulting in a diverse and exciting product range..

​Her everyday functional tableware ware combines simplicity with elegance. Using the muscle memory built through years of practice to repeat forms that are designed for their use. Both the feel and look is considered throughout the making. The tactile quality is just as important as the look of each piece, this drives decisions on both the form and the finish of the glaze.

The drive to learn her craft and push the boundaries of skill and material has led to the creation of a more unique and bespoke body of work. One off pieces that reflect their functional history but are created less for their use and more for the platform they provide Phoebe to explore her creativity. These pieces are firstly about form and the interaction each piece has on the space it sits in, their physical presence. The sweeping forms create a beautiful surface for Phoebe to impart her interpretation of the land she lives in.

Photographs by Kasia Kiliszek