Blank Canvas: A Conversation with Objects by Phoebe
"It’s easier to swim against the current together"
Phoebe is a ball of tireless energy. But her pieces are soft, delicate and intentional...
We are thrilled to have Objects by Phoebe join us at Blank Canvas this Saturday!
Here is her story:
Phoebe! How’s life been so far?
Life has been busy! I feel like it’s gone at 100 km an hour but I love it!!!
I'm in my go go go era.
So, tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m Phoebe, I’m a ceramicist/designer/artist/ .. many things. I like to call myself a full time creative.
I come from an industrial design background. I also have done my masters in design, majoring in UX UI and HCI (User experience, user interface and Human computer interaction.. It’s a long one, I know haha).
I was constantly on my computer screen and I felt like my hands were being deprived of creating.
I tried embroidery, jewellery making, graphic design, painting, drawing, sketching - all of which I enjoy but wasn’t truly passionate about.
So I chose to do pottery as a medium and I’ve stuck with it for about 2 years now.
What is Objects by Phoebe?
Media by Objects by Phoebe
Objects by Phoebe is my brand, my passion project, my baby :)
It is my opportunity to create objects for people. It’s driven by experiences and inspired by travels through the lens of me.
Sometimes I don’t even know what it is but this is what I want it to be:
- I want it to be in my favourite cafes.
- I want it to be used in dinner dates with loved ones.
- I want it to be a store that you visit one day.
- I want it to be your all time favourite go to cup.
- I want it to be a gift that you receive from your best friend.
- I want it to be that thing that you stare at as you have light bulb moment
Why the name “Objects” specifically?
Oxford dictionary defines an 'object' as "a material thing that can be seen and touched".
How CRAZY and FANTASTIC is that?! ANY material thing!!!!!
I don’t want to be bound by any medium. The medium isn’t my art. It’s my life experience - that’s my art.
What inspires you?
Media by Objects by Phoebe
Nature Nature Nature Nature. So much of what I’m inspired by is from nature. I used to be obsessed with biomimicry design (eg. high speed bullet trains are inspired by the beak of Kingfisher birds, wind turbines are inspired by whale fins, Velcro was designed after some guy saw the burr plant sticking on his dog).
God is the ultimate creator, having spoken this world into existence. He definitely humbles and grounds me. I’m out here making what I think are the coolest cups ever, but then I look at the mountains that He’s created and I’m like, okay, it’s just a small little cup because I'm just a tiny being!
I am also inspired by my creative community and I love them to bits! They’re the people that support you the most, that understand where you’re coming from. It's a community. That’s what drives me and keeps me going. I love this community!
What is something new you are trying?
In 2025, I would like to explore sculpture. More artistic forms and less functional forms.
What is the hardest part of what you do?
Battle of the brain. Running a business as a one woman team is difficult.
It’s the 2am middle of the night conversations you have with yourself... The self-doubt... The “I’m not good enough” spirals...
It’s easy to tell yourself that you just gotta get out of it but it’s hard to put that into action.
How do you treat burnouts?
I used to treat burnout with the utmost disrespect. I wouldn’t acknowledge it and I treated it as a sign of weakness.
That was totally wrong of me.
Media by Objects by Phoebe
Now, I check myself every week to see how I’m going. I like to journal and pray. Treating the symptoms before it happens by taking myself out to do something I enjoy.
A little reset.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
The career of a creative is a LONG TERM game. You are your art until you die. So, treat yourself kinder, take it slower, have more patience and trust in the process.
Also, it’s hard doing it alone. Finding people that can support you goes a long way.
It’s easier to swim against the current together.
Please tell us your dream for Objects by Phoebe and for your personal life :)
I’m already dreaming. I’m already so grateful to be here. Now it’s time to share!
What can we expect from you at the Blank Canvas event?
Expect energy. Expect a good conversation. I would love to talk to people!
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