A Portrait of the Australian Artist Phoebe Jamieson as a Vessel for Human Emotion

an article written by Mona Lisa Abramovich

Phoebe Jamieson (b. 1979) is an Australian artist, working and living in New York City, whose work transcends the traditional boundaries of artistic expression. Her creations are deeply rooted in her identity, serving as a conduit through which she channels her innermost thoughts, feelings, and ideas. As a multidisciplinary artist, Phoebe’s work spans painting and sculpture, each medium offering her a unique pathway to explore and communicate the complexities of the human experience.

We have had a talk to Phoebe about her conduct of inner identity.

Nature and Nurture, 2024, ceramic, 12x13x7 inches

Harmony of Chaos, 2024, ceramic, 9x7x5 inches

The Drive
For Phoebe, art is not merely a career or a hobby—it is a fundamental aspect of who she is. Her drive to create is born from an intrinsic need to express herself in ways that words cannot. From an early age, art became her preferred language, a means of translating the intangible into tangible expressions. She is constantly pushing boundaries, embracing vulnerability, and taking risks in her work. This drive is not just about creating visually appealing pieces; it is about communicating on a deeper, more intimate level with her audience.

Phoebe’s work is thematic, often beginning with a concept that she explores through her chosen medium. This thematic approach allows her to delve into complex ideas and emotions, giving her work a depth that resonates with viewers. Her most recent body of work, for example, delves into the Jungian concept of the Inner Child—a theme that speaks to the loss of playfulness, curiosity, and joy that often accompanies adulthood. Through her art, she seeks to reconnect with these lost aspects of self, encouraging others to do the same.

Phoebe Jamieson. Photo @Leah Gerstel

The Evolution of an Artistic Vocabulary
Phoebe’s artistic vocabulary has evolved organically over time, shaped by her experiences, emotions, and the world around her. Her work is characterized by a delicate interplay of vibrant and muted hues, a visual representation of the multifaceted nature of human emotions. She is drawn to the idea that we rarely experience a single emotion in isolation; instead, our emotional landscape is a complex tapestry of feelings that shift and change over time. This nuanced spectrum of emotions is what Phoebe seeks to capture in her art.

Her process is dynamic and intuitive, often allowing the work to guide her as much as she guides it. She talks to her creations, asking them what they need and allowing them to evolve naturally. This meditative approach fosters a deep connection between Phoebe and her work, enabling her to express ideas and emotions that are difficult to articulate in words.

Phoebe Jamieson. Photo @Leah Gerstel

Mediums of Choice
Phoebe’s preferred mediums—acrylic paint on raw canvas and clay—offer her a balanced duality in her creative process. Painting, with its fluidity and patience, allows her to explore ideas laterally. She uses thinned acrylic paint and pigments on raw canvas, a technique reminiscent of watercolor, to create works that are both mesmerizing and unpredictable. The interaction between the paint and canvas is a source of fascination for Phoebe, as it mirrors the unpredictability of human emotions and experiences.

In contrast, her work with clay allows her to explore ideas in three dimensions, giving her a different perspective on the concepts she is exploring. Her sculptures, often abstract in form, are constructed from unglazed fired clay, evoking a sense of raw emotion, vulnerability, and humility. This medium allows Phoebe to engage with her work from all angles, literally and figuratively, offering a more comprehensive exploration of her themes.

Landscapes From Yesterday, 2024, Acrylic on canvas, 29 x 30 inches

Embracing the Unpredictable, 2024, acrylic on canvas, 62 x 62 inches

The Creative Process
Phoebe’s creative process is one of exploration and discovery. Her work typically begins with an idea or emotion that she wants to explore. From there, she allows the process to flow, letting the work emerge organically. This approach fosters a deep connection between Phoebe and her creations, enabling her to convey complex emotions and ideas through her art.

​Composition is a key element of Phoebe’s work, and she believes that translating emotions into art requires a delicate balance of color, form, and composition. She often starts with a vibrant base layer, representing joy, vitality, and spontaneity, which she then juxtaposes with more muted hues. This contrast mirrors the ebb and flow of human emotions, creating a visual representation of the complexities within us all.

Phoebe Jamieson. Photo @Leah Gerstel

Sprinkles And Fluffles, 2024, ceramic, 12x10x6 inches

Influences and Inspirations
Phoebe draws inspiration from a variety of sources, both artistic and intellectual. She cites the works of artists such as Helen Frankenthaler, Joan Mitchell, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Ken Price as significant influences on her own work. Each of these artists, in their own way, has explored the relationship between color, form, and emotion—an exploration that is central to Phoebe’s own artistic journey.

In addition to these artistic influences, Phoebe is deeply inspired by the ideas of Carl Jung, particularly his concept of the Inner Child and the Collective Unconscious. These psychological theories provide a rich framework for Phoebe’s exploration of human emotions and experiences, offering her a way to connect with her audience on a deeper level.

Phoebe Jamieson’s work is a testament to the power of art as a means of communication and self-expression. Through her paintings and sculptures, she invites viewers to explore their own emotions and experiences, encouraging a sense of curiosity, connectedness, and introspection. Her work is not just about creating beautiful objects—it is about fostering a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. As an artist, Phoebe Jamieson is a conduit for the expression of the human experience, translating the complexities of life into tangible, visual forms that resonate on a profound level.

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This article about Phoebe Jamieson takes part of the ARTICULATE Promote Programme.