Sophie Phillips is a U.K. based artist whose work focuses on documentary photography and community building.
How has your lived experience shaped your practice?
As cliché as the saying is, a photo is worth a thousand words, and this resonated with me growing up. I didn’t always enjoy reading as I struggled being dyslexic, but photos would grab my attention. That’s what would draw me in and make me think about important issues.
What are some of your biggest influences and motivations in your work? What issues are you passionate about working on?
I took a huge interest in August Sanders work in my second year of university which kick started my interest in photographing my community and the people around me. Along with this came my interest in analogue photography. I am passionate about working on projects which need bringing to light. Creating photos that people can relate too, with my latest project that explored the covid pandemic aimed to allow people to see what others are going through to know you’re not alone. Or for others educating them on what people have gone through.
Can you tell us more about your focus on outdoor spaces and community in your work?
When I reach out to people in the community I ask to photograph them somewhere which means something to them or would relate to their story. Naturally a lot of people are drawn to outdoor spaces as they feel a special connection to it. With my documentary photography I love arriving at the location and allowing that to inspire the way the shoot evolves.
Where are you based and what excites you about the creative community around you?
Being based just outside of London the creative community is endless. There’s always someone new to discover, new creative work to see and always opportunities to learn and be inspired. Along with this, it’s exciting to see all of these creative platforms arising for emerging artists online and being able to connect with people all over the world.
See more of Sophie’s work HERE
