Introducing Stephen Phillips’ Color Contrast Series
Caron Gallery is pleased to introduce Color Contrast Series, the debut ceramic collection by artist Stephen Phillips, now available online. Featuring vibrant colors, flowing geometric patterns, and organic movement, this collection explores the ways our individual journeys intersect and connect.
Inspired by the colors that shape our memories and define our experiences, Stephen approaches each ceramic surface as a canvas, allowing color, line, and form to work together to create a cohesive body of work.
For Stephen, the inspiration behind Color Contrast Series comes from the vibrant colors of everyday life and the experiences that shape who we are.
“This collection is inspired by the vibrant colors of life, the hues that shape our memories, define our moments, and illuminate the paths we travel,” Stephen shares.
Throughout the collection, lines move across richly colored surfaces, creating a sense of movement that encourages viewers to follow each path. These lines represent the journeys we take individually, as well as the moments when our paths cross and our stories become intertwined. Stephen hopes viewers will experience each piece as a continuous journey, allowing their eyes to move organically across the surface, pausing to discover new details along the way.
One of the defining features of Color Contrast Series is Stephen’s use of a technique called tape resist. By applying electrical tape to the ceramic surface, he creates the distinctive lines that move throughout each design. The tape acts as a resist, allowing him to establish clear patterns and visual pathways across the forms. This creates contrast, depth, and rhythm, transforming functional ceramic forms into expressive works of art.
The collection also showcases the versatility of clay through a range of forms, including tea bowls and sculptural vessels. Among the more complex works is the Blue Obsidian Vase, which Stephen created by stacking and combining two separately thrown forms into a single vessel.
We are thrilled to welcome Stephen Phillips to Caron Gallery and share his debut ceramic collection with you.
Explore the Color Contrast Series online and discover your favorite pieces.
Join us as we celebrate Stephen and his debut collection at an opening reception at Caron Gallery Tupelo on Thursday, October 29, from 5–6:30 PM.
Come meet Stephen, experience the Color Contrast Series in person, and enjoy an evening celebrating his newest body of work. We look forward to welcoming you!
Event Details
Thursday, October 29
5–6:30 PM
Caron Gallery Tupelo
126 W Main St., Tupelo, Mississippi
We hope you’ll join us in celebrating Stephen Phillips and the vibrant colors, meaningful connections, and thoughtful craftsmanship behind Color Contrast Series.