Eric Phillips
My design and craft woodworking practice has evolved primarily in response to specific spaces. Central to my approach is the importance of proportions and the interactions between form and space as we move around the pieces. Each piece reflects my passion for joinery – the aesthetics, functionality and tactility of structures and junctions. Influenced by Japanese traditional joinery and European modernism, the pieces also weave in my sensitivity to the singular qualities of different woods. Using local naturally felled wood, when possible, my furniture and watercraft are also a personal response to the river valley landscapes of Kilkenny.
About Eric Phillips
Designer/maker in wood, Eric Phillips originates from Southern California where he trained as a carpenter. Moving to Paris in 1991, where he lived for twenty-five years, he co-founded and developed the Design and Build company, Morning Fox, which focused on interior architecture and bespoke furniture. Facilitated by Eric’s training in CAD software, Rhinoceros, projects included collaborations with architects such as Renzo Piano, Didier Faustino, William Matthews and Elliott Laffitte.
Moving to Inistioge in Co Kilkenny in 2016, Eric joined the DCCI and developed a furniture collection and wooden watercraft inspired by the local landscape. Materials are sourced from suppliers of wood from locally felled trees, along with FSC-certified sustainable timber suppliers.
In both 2018 and 2021, Eric Phillips was selected for the Design and Craft Council Ireland’s Portfolio wider selection. In 2020, he exhibited watercraft and furniture in the group exhibition, ‘6’, at Kilfane Glebe House Studio which was reviewed by Dr Catherine Marshall for the Visual Artists of Ireland magazine. Also in 2020, Eric was shortlisted in the competition “Covid Commission” sponsored by the DCCI and The National Museum of Ireland and received a special mention from the jury.
Connect with Eric Phillips
+353 87 403 6234
ericphillips.ie