An Ode By Collector and Curator Christina Ashworth
Today I received a beautiful ode from one of my most admired clients.
I was shy to post this, yet it is such a lovely testament to the work we do, I want to honour the work of writing this.
A heartfelt testimony
by Christina Ashworth January 2021
To enter into the world of Katrina Phillips, an exceptional human, a being of rare perception, sensitivity and intuition is to revisit and immerse ourselves in the vestiges of our primal origins in the most beautiful and thought provoking way.
Every piece, no matter how modest, has the touch of the human hand. The senses are awakened. Uplifting, yet contemplative and stimulating though never over sensorial, It is a devotion to all that elevates the spirit- and ode to mankind and what we can achieve if only we be silent and reflect though never forgetting to share and collaborate with one another in a community.
The evolution is constant. It never remains static. There is movement and flow. The vernacular is celebrated for its exquisite simplicity. Nothing shouts, only gentle calls and soft whispers beckon one to look. The invitation is gentle.
Katrina's work resonates far and beyond the physical space of 99 Portobello Rd, anchored not only by it's large slabs of marble and layers of patina reflecting the age of the building and the passage of inhabitants. It is evident that not only the inspiration, influences but extension of her work reaches far beyond the area.: Africa, Asia, Europe, the middle East, The America's….
It serves as a temple to the sublime, to the unpredictable and to the rare. Nothing could be described as banal. Stories behind the maker or the origin of the piece are detailed and insightful. The passion and love considered in the selection of every material and piece resonate. Moreover, this is not an aloof space, Katrina is welcoming to everybody. She is a clear sighted warm and welcoming human conduit of ideas and inspiration.
More about the influences, which continually evolve….. Extensive travels and continuous studies, a passion and aptitude for anthropology, ancient cultures, healing medicines, rituals, techniques for working with textile, and paint are evident. It s a celebration of life.
Texture and material use are of major consideration and contemplation: wood, lava, stone, marble, minerals, silk, linen, wool…. Colour is used with careful selection and subtlety. Tones of charcoal sit with celadon, bone, slate and putty. Not to forget the richer earthy tones with an emphasis on minerals derived from nature too although the hues are soft.
The aroma of the space is unique: the profound scent of sacred palo santo and sensual wafts of smoking frankincense fill the air. There is a naughty hint of tobacco
The sacred sits alongside the useful, Everything has substance, nothing is superfluous. It is mature. Magic happens here!