Phillipa Butters

Phillipa Butters

Artist Statement
The abstracted symbol seen throughout my body of work in the latest exhibition, “Edge of the Id”, represents the fossil markings of creatures alive some 570 million years ago called “Dickinson”. These markings are a sign of ‘first life’ and the impact of the environment on its’ evolution. Shown these fossils on a field trip to the Flinders Rangers in 2018, I became unexpectedly curious about these markings created by events in time and how we all have markings and signposts that create a narrative, markings that have been formed, shaped and impacted by events in our own individual journeys. Edge of the Id explores environs beneath the surface… of the land and of consciousness …simply exploring and following the signposts.

Biography
Phillipa Butters’ contemporary art practice is intensively varied as she experiences the diverse joy and therapeutic nature of the creative process in various mediums. For Butters, branching into Art Therapy, the amalgamation of art and therapy, was inevitable. Her role at an Art Psychotherapy private practice facilitates Art Therapy groups and enriches her art practice. It intensifies a crucial dimension that empowers Butters in ‘seeing things differently’. This dimension is strikingly depicted in her art work. Butters has enjoyed a fruitful artistic career and has been a finalist in numerous Art Prizes.

Education
1979 – 1981 Bachelor of Arts, University of Sydney
1981 – 1983 Bachelor of Social Studies, University of Sydney
1990 – 1993 Ceramics – Certificate course, Northern Sydney Institute of TAFE
1990 – 1992 Drawing – Certificate course, TAFE NSW
2001 – 2003 Sculpture – Tom Bass Sculpture School
2007 – 2010 Graduate Diploma in Art – Major in Painting, College of Fine Arts, University of New South Wales.
2010 – 2014 Master of Art Therapy, University of Western Sydney.
2000 – Current – Ongoing art classes at Willoughby Art Centre

Duo Exhibition
2019 Edge of the Id, (with Paul Williams), Thienny Lee Gallery, Edgecliff.
2018 Otherness (with Paul Williams), Thienny Lee Gallery, Edgecliff.

Group Exhibitions
2017 Ravenswood Australian Women’s Art Prize Finalist Exhibition, Ravenswood School For Girls, Gordon, Sydney
2016 Hunters Hill Art Exhibition Finalist Exhibition, Hunters Hill, Sydney
2016 Little Things Art Prize Finalist Exhibition, Saint Cloche Gallery, Paddington, Sydney
2015 One Thing Leads to Another, Ewart Gallery – Workshop Art Centre, Willoughby, Sydney
2009 Big Paintings- Small Paintings, Ewart Gallery – Workshop Art Centre, Willoughby, Sydney
2009 Big Wednesday, Ewart Gallery – Workshop Art Centre, Willoughby, Sydney
2008 1200K West Fowlers Gap – student group exhibition, COFA Space Gallery, Sydney
2007 8 Artists, Gallery 307, Northbridge, Sydney
2006 The Big Picture, Recent works (3 artists), Gallery 307, Northbridge, Sydney
2005 Found, Ewart Gallery – Workshop Art Centre, Willoughby, Sydney
2005 Colours, Recent Works (3 artists), Gallery 307, Northbridge, Sydney

Art Prizes
2017 Ewart Art Prize – Finalist
2017 Ravenswood Australian Women’s Art Prize – Finalist.
2016 Little Things Art Prize – Finalist
2016 Hunters Hill Art Prize – Finalist

Other Work experience
Worked as a social worker, volunteered and later as an Art Therapist for over 25 years within the welfare, education and health sectors both government and non-government in local, state and national organisations.

2014-2017 Art Therapist at KidsXpress, KidsLink