STATEMENT
My work is essentially about connection. Both my connection as a maker to material and that of formal relationships.
As a sculptor, I create intimate scale architecture from raw fired clay, designed for aesthetic and psychological purpose. Clay as a medium providing uniformity and a counterbalance to structural geometry.
Themes of opposition and balance are explored, constructing forms that inter-connect whilst retaining their separate integrity. A visual language characterised by engagement with space through the most economical of means.
I employ proportion as a way of adjusting relationships. Giving equal measure to void space and material. Working in series provides a consistency to develop understanding, which enables intuition to refine decisions.
I choose to work with raw fired porcelain for its authenticity and ability to record process and change. This memory provides accountability and necessitates a respect for material limitations. I work alongside the clay, giving attention over time, being mindful to retain its sensitivity.
It is my intention through the work to facilitate felt experience. In particular one of stillness and calm. A place that brings about a connection to oneself. For me this has always been related to simplicity. I leave form incomplete and in a state of transition to create an openness that remains accessible.
BIOGRAPHY
Susan Phillips was born in Bedford, UK in 1978.
From 1996 to 1999 she studied Studio Ceramics at Falmouth College of Arts in Cornwall.
After leaving college she established a studio at her home in North Herefordshire, and has since exhibited throughout the UK and internationally.
In 2014 Susan was awarded the gold medal for Craft and Design at the National Eisteddfod of Wales and in 2015 had works exhibited at the Oriel Mostyn Gallery.
She received the International VIA Art Prize in 2017, and went on to exhibit Constructed Geometries, her solo exhibition at the Brazilian Embassy in 2018. Her work is represented in the collection of the Embassy of Brazil in London.
In 2021 she participated in the International Kogei Award at Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design, Japan.
Susan’s work has been included in several publications including Negative Space, published by ZKM Karlsruhe in 2021.
CV
EDUCATION
Falmouth College of Art, Cornwall, BA Studio Ceramics, 1996-99
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2018 Constructed Geometries, Embassy of Brazil, London
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2023 Influence of Structures, Ten, Cardiff
2022 Bychan, Ten, Cardiff
2021 International Kogei Award, Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design, Japan
2020 Summer Show, Ten, Cardiff
2019 The Light in the World is without a Significant Plan, Daniel Benjamin Gallery, London
2019 Korean International Ceramics Biennale, Korea
2018 Winter Show, Ten, Cardiff
2017 Winter Show, Maddox Arts, London
2017 VIA Arts Prize, Embassy of Brazil, London
2017 Summer Show, Ten, Cardiff
2016 International Print Biennale, Vane Gallery, Newcastle
2016 Neo Print Prize, Bolton
2016 Y Lle Celf, The National Eisteddfod of Wales, Abergavenny
2016 Summer Show, Ten, Cardiff
2015 NN Contemporary Open, Northampton
2015 Y Lle Celf, The National Eisteddfod of Wales, Meifod
2015 Mostyn Open 19, Oriel Mostyn Gallery, Llandudno
2015 Spring Show, Beardsmore Gallery, London
2014 Y Lle Celf, The National Eisteddfod of Wales, Llanelli
2014 Soho Sculpture Prize, Short-listed Artists, London
2014 Oriel Davies Open, Newtown, Powys
2013 Ceramics, Beardsmore Gallery, London
PRIZES AND AWARDS
2022 Long-listed for the Aesthetica Art Prize, Aesthetica Magazine
2021 Short-listed for the International Kogei Award, Toyama, Japan
2020 Honorable Mention, Korean International Ceramics Biennale
2019 Research Grant, Craft Potters Charitable Trust
2018 Long-listed for the Aesthetica Art Prize, Aesthetica Magazine
2017 Winner of the VIA Arts Prize, The Embassy of Brazil/ACALASP
2016 Long-listed for the Aesthetica Art Prize, Aesthetica Magazine
2016 Grant, David Canter Memorial Fund
2014 The Gold Medal for Craft and Design, The National Eisteddfod of Wales
2014 Short-listed for the Soho Sculpture Prize, Artiq
PUBLIC COLLECTIONS
2017 Embassy of Brazil, London, UK
PUBLICATIONS
10.2023 British Sculptors - Susan Phillips, Yinjispace
08.2023 Summer Issue 15: Escaping the Frame: Conversations in Paint, Soanyway Magazine
06.2022 Future Now, Aesthetica Magazine
12.2021 Negative Space - Trajectories of Sculpture in the 20th and 21st Centuries, Peter Weibel
08.2021 A New Series of Ceramic Sculptures by Susan Phillips, Gessato
07.2021 The Minimalist Sculptures of Artist Susan Phillips, Le Journal du Design
05.2021 Susan Phillips Explores Spatial Composition with Minimalist Geometric Sculptures, Ignant
12.2020 Aesthetica Art Prize: 5 Sculptures, Aesthetica Magazine
09.2020 Susan Phillips, Ceramics Now
04.2018 Future Now, Aesthetica Magazine
06.2016 Art | Susan Phillips Long-listed for 9th Aesthetica Art Prize, Cfile Online
04.2016 Future Now, Aesthetica Magazine
09.2015 Artist Interview, Art Habens Review
07.2015 Sculptural Beauty, Homes and Gardens