In an exhibition at the Mississippi University for Women Galleries, ceramic artist Stephen Phillips displays his most recent artwork, all of which are functional vessels in which he explores the juxtaposition of textures and colors. The exhibition runs through Friday, Feb. 8, with a reception on Thursday, Jan. 31 from 5:30 to 7 pm.
Phillips’ work primarily features two series of vessels, one of which he calls his “Black Panther Series.” This group of pots are raku fired, which leaves the surface a matte black color. The pieces are finished with a gold wax-turned-bronze color on the front.
The other series, which is equally bold, features stoneware fired with dark blue and black glazes in sweeping linear embellishments. All of his pots feature design elements inspired by Native American and African pottery. Many of the pots have depressions created by his finger on the surface, a reminder of the artist’s touch.
Phillips is a local artist who graduated from The W in 2013 with his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in studio art. He transferred to The W from East Mississippi Community College-Scooba. During his academic programs, Phillips was recognized for his artistic achievements. In 2011, he won the First Place Ceramics Award in the competitive Mississippi Collegiate Art Competition. He also won awards in ceramics and printmaking in the annual juried student exhibitions at The W. In 2008, Phillips earned the Artistic Achievement Award from EMCC.
Since graduation, Phillips has shown his work at the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art in Biloxi, the Rosenzweig Arts Center and the R.E. Hunt Museum, both in Columbus. This current show is his first professional solo exhibition. In 2015, Phillips established “Stephen’s Potter House Productions” in his hometown of Crawford.
The Mississippi University for Women Galleries, located on the first floor of Summer Hall, are open Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., following the university calendar. The Galleries and the reception are free and open to the public.
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