Zoe Phillips

Zoe Phillips is a multidisciplinary artist with a profound commitment to accessibility in the arts. Describing herself as a “maker,” she avoids being pigeonholed by employing a variety of techniques across different disciplines. With over 20 years of experience as a prop maker in theatre, her work encompasses mixed materials and media, including puppetry, storytelling, clay, painting, woodwork, leatherwork, printing, and mosaic. “It’s always been a passion of mine that everyone should have accessibility to art and how important the arts are for us as individuals,” Zoe emphasises, underscoring her belief in the transformative power of creativity.

Artistic Background

Zoe holds a degree in Technical Arts Interpretation and an MA in Creative Arts Practice. Throughout her career, she has focused on deeper meanings in her work, often addressing complex themes like disability and accessibility. “I’ve got to have an emotional connection and reason for doing it,” she explains. This desire to create pieces with significance drives her work, which frequently involves collaboration with individuals facing additional needs through accessible workshops.

Zoe’s artistic journey is significantly influenced by her connection to Yorkshire. She finds inspiration in the region’s landscape, noting, “Everything seems bluer, everything seems greener, everything seems much more potent and vivid.” This connection to nature re-energises her and informs her choice of materials, with favourites including metal, leather, and porcelain. Her piece made for the Emerging Artist Award particularly explored themes of motherhood and the challenges associated with it, reflecting her commitment to making impactful art. “I want to say more with my work. I want it to have an impact and I want it to bring about change,” she asserts.

In 2024, Zoe was awarded third place in the Emerging Artist Awards, a pivotal moment she describes as a “lifeline.” The opportunity to take part in the awards arrived at a critical juncture, just as she completed her master’s degree. “The SCAF awards were perfect timing, completely aligned with the explorations of my work,” she states, highlighting how the experience allowed her to challenge the boundaries of traditional ceramic art. Through the Emerging Artist Awards, she has found a supportive artistic community, which has been vital in establishing her identity as a maker. “SCAF has been a brilliant opportunity, and I think it’s a highly valuable thing to do,” she reflects.

Since her participation in the awards, Zoe has continued to push her artistic practice. Notably, she collaborated with the York Young Adult Carers Group to create a series of Tansy Beetle sculptures for a summer trail, focusing on celebrating the individuality and experiences of young carers. This project exemplifies her commitment to using her art to highlight important social issues while fostering community connections. Her work is not solely for commercial gain; instead, she prioritises deeper meaning and impact. “Please don’t be scared to have awkward conversations and ask people questions because we won’t progress as humans if we continue to shy away from these things,” she urges.

Future Aspirations and Emerging Ambitions

Looking ahead, Zoe aspires to secure funding to further explore her artistic practice and gain access to a kiln for her work. She envisions exhibiting in prominent venues like the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and collaborating with organisations such as the RHS. Her ultimate goal is to earn a living through her art, ensuring that her pieces convey underlying messages while continuing to impact society. “We wouldn’t move from Yorkshire. The fact you don’t need to go very far to be surrounded by nature… it reconnects you and changes your perspective,” Zoe concludes, illustrating her deep-rooted connection to her surroundings and the influence it has on her artistic journey.