Artist Statement
Lancashire based ceramic maker. Inspired by nature and seeking emotional wellbeing Philippa (Pip) pushes porcelains capabilities, employing both the fragility and strength of porcelain. Pip mixes coloured pigments into the clay and incorporates colour psychology. Rolling ups and downs, cycles, hope, despair, and lessons learnt, Pip sees a mirroring between the challenges of working with porcelain and that of emotional wellbeing. Her pieces are tools for exploring thought and emotion; they include discreet details to brighten up the everyday... superficially or otherwise (!) Her most recent work explores the colours within sunsets and the sweeping landscapes and flora of the Lake District.
Journey
Her first studio was in the North East, where Pip was awarded a creative scholarship (2010-14) after completing a BA Hons in Glass and Ceramics (2007-10). Clay has taken Pip to America three times for artist residencies and exhibitions; she has taught clay in schools and colleges and used it as a wellbeing tool in both the private and public healthcare sectors. After training in teaching (2017-19) and mental health (2018-21), Pip has come full circle, returning to Lancashire and to her beloved clay, as a practicing artist.
About Me.
Philippa (Pip) Whiteside is an English ceramic artist, specialising in sculptural porcelain forms. She studied Art and Design at Preston College (2005-07) and went on to gain a BA Hons in Glass and Ceramics at the University of Sunderland (2007-10).
In 2010 Pip was awarded a 12-month scholarship with Creative Cohesion, supported by Sunderland City Council. The scholarship included studio space and creative business mentoring. Joining the charities board of directors as a trustee, and volunteer, (2011-14) she became heavily involved in projects to support local artists and bring arts to the community. 2011 saw Pip exhibit in ‘Young Artist of the Year’ at The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle and her first print publication in Ceramic Review. Pip also launched her porcelain giftware line on notonthehighstreet.com.
Her first international exposure was exhibiting in ‘International Glass and Clay’ at Pepco Edison Place Gallery, Washington DC, USA in 2013. Through this trip she met Novie Trump, director of Flux Studios, Maryland, USA and later undertook an Artist Residency (August-November 2023).
2014 saw Pip moving on from Sunderland, and Creative Cohesion, to pastures new within a small village in Lancashire. From here she spent time assisting the established ceramic artist Anna Lambert, Yorkshire and worked at Arteria with Gallery 23, Lancaster. Continuing to develop her practise, Pip returned to America and undertook an Artist Residency with Flux Studios, Arizona, USA (May-July 2015).
What came after was a mixture of working in Summer Schools, volunteering at a refugee camp in Greece, a winter season in the French Alps and a summer season in the Italian Dolomites. Things then took another turn and Pip trained as an Art and Special Educational Needs Teacher at Edge Hill University (2017-18) and later, studied Person Centred Counselling Skills at the University of Central Lancashire (2020-21). Pip pursued a career working with vulnerable children and adults in both educational and healthcare settings. She was able to combine her training with her interest in the link between the creative process and emotional wellbeing. Wellbeing clay sessions were delivered in a range of settings, from mainstream colleges to SEND colleges, mental health hospitals to community projects, youth clubs to NHS referred sessions for adults and sessions for young people (age 11+).
After a massive life change in 2022, Pip moved back to Lancashire, from Cumbria, and swapped working for the NHS to making her porcelain beauties. During recovery, from becoming unwell, Pip found solace in The National Lake District Fells, solo walking, wild swimming and wild camping, this led to adventures further afield including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. When Pip's health deteriorated further, she found her old friend, clay. Originally exploring clay 20 years prior, it was used for the same purpose. To provide comfort, a sense of achievement, creative exploration, self-reflection and a safety in not needing others. A journey of re-building herself began and 2023 found Pip returning to selling her wares and trading at events. Starting with small village fairs, where it was known to, at times, not making a single sale, through to larger events. Pip pushed herself and took part in Potfest in the Pens- Penrith, Solfest Music Festival, Potfest in the Pens- Melton Mowbray and Craft in the Pens- Skipton. As is typical with a chaotic mind, during this time, Pip was also working at an Arts Centre delivering a comprehensive community outreach program and also working at a gallery.
Hello 2024, Pip is aiming to continue developing ideas, refining techniques and establishing a signature style. She hopes to develop her PippyPipPop giftware range and work on gaining gallery representation. There will be fun in continued experimentation with alternative homemade firings and working with wild clay dug from the land- this paired with refined porcelain is of interest. The year will also see Pip exhibiting at some lovely shows with lovely people.
Pip's dream is to support herself through clay and to love herself like she does others. Full steam ahead, let's see what this girl can do.