EPISODE TEN: Philipa Taylor
Embracing Artistic Journeys: An Insightful Conversation with Philippa Taylor
In the vibrant and ever-evolving world of art, textile and ceramic artist Philippa Taylor stands out as a pioneering force. As the first Melbourne guest on The Art of Making Art podcast, Philippa shares her journey, influences, and the harmonious balance she maintains between her dual practices in textiles and ceramics.
Philippa's love for pottery began as early as year seven in school when she was introduced to ceramics. Her affinity for textiles developed parallel to her pottery, creating a unique blend in her artistic practice. This combination often results in pieces that are unmistakably her own, where textiles and ceramics harmoniously intertwine. Her approach is intuitive, allowing the materials to collide naturally, producing extraordinary art forms.
Philippa's venture into art began in school, leading to a focused education in ceramics at university. Despite a rapidly changing educational landscape, she was determined to pursue her passion for pottery. Facing societal pressures regarding career viability, Philippa embraced teaching as a means to sustain her art practice, eventually becoming head of a ceramics program. Here, she strives to inspire the next generation, just as her journey in art started in high school.
Philippa proudly recalls her success at the Clunes Ceramic Award, which marked a significant recognition of her work after a hiatus. Her recent exhibit at the North Queensland Ceramic Awards exemplifies her commitment to integrating family, travel, and art. Another highlight was winning the Mornington Peninsula Prize with a textiles piece—a triumph she did not anticipate against more traditional media like paintings and drawings.
Using textile techniques like punch needle and basket weaving, Philippa blends her rich collections of materials to create profound, tactile artworks. Her winning piece, an aerial view inspired by a serene encounter with a brown snake, exemplifies her connection to nature. She accompanies these textile works with porcelain buttons—tiny details that enhance her pieces.
Philippa's pottery practice focuses on creating pots on the wheel, bridging functionality with artistry. Her work features organic elements, particularly inspired by the Banksia motif, and is celebrated for its high skill level—a testament to both formal education and years of dedicated practice.
Beyond crafting, Philippa highlights the importance of maintaining a visual diary—a practice she has upheld for over two decades. These diaries document the evolution of her ideas, capturing everything from artistic inspirations to gallery visits. Writing, she insists, is integral to conceptual development, helping artists articulate their ideas and prepare for public exhibits.
Her participation in programs like Evolve showcases the balance between conceptual and business knowledge necessary for an artist's growth. Philippa emphasizes having prepared ideas and business acumen, fostering both creative and career progression.
In offering advice, Philippa stresses the importance of patience, networking, and engaging with professional communities like the Australian Ceramics Association. She encourages embracing both conceptual and traditional educational avenues to expand artistic horizons. Philippa underscores the significance of creating meaningful relationships with fellow artists, who provide unique understanding and support.
Concluding her insightful conversation, Philippa reiterates that art is a marathon, not a sprint. Success comes from sustained dedication, community engagement, and an appreciation for the incremental achievements along the way. As she embarks on a personal project to create "50 jugs" in her 50th year, Philippa's story serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through passion, perseverance, and creative collaboration.
For more on Philippa’s artistic journey and to follow her evolving work, stay tuned to her forthcoming projects and inspirational contributions to the art world.
https://www.instagram.com/philippaataylor/
This episode is possible with sponsorship by Scotney Creative Solutions.
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