On the Couch with Phoebe Porter

Phoebe Porter AAR On the Couch - photo by Andrew SikorskiWho is Phoebe Porter?
Phoebe Porter is a Contemporary Jeweller based in Canberra, Australia. Trained in gold and silver smithing, Phoebe’s work is strongly influenced by the Bauhaus and Constructivist movements, striving for order and balance and seeking to reduce each piece to its necessary elements. She is parent to Paige (6) and Max (3) and wife to Tom. She is currently the designer-in-residence for the 2019 DESIGN Canberra Festival.

What would you do differently to what you do now?
I’ve always loved making things and can’t imagine another vocation that would suit me better.

Who inspires you and why?
I look to my peers who are doing great creative work while being engaged parents – it’s not as easy as they make it look!

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Raise my children to be compassionate, informed and know how to look on the bright side.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
Lake Tabourie, NSW. I’ve holidayed at this location every year since I was born, even when living in Melbourne and overseas, so it’s been more constant in my life than any other place. Now my kids absolutely love going there too. There is a beautiful lake/estuary, surf beach, lagoon, island with spectacular rock pools and many walking tracks through the bush to explore. Years ago, I took a friend from California there, who I met when travelling on the Amalfi Coast and she said, “Now I get why you were so unimpressed by Italian beaches!”

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
The National Gallery of Australia, for great exhibitions, architecture and coffee overlooking the lake. Or, if you have a gang of kids in tow, the Botanic Gardens to wander the mist filled fern gully and get the kids to spot lizards while you catch up without being constantly interrupted. Then we’d take them out of town past Dojo Bakery in Braidwood to Lake Tabourie (see above).

What are you currently reading?
Deep Work by Cal Newport, The Dry by Jane Harper (a real page turner) and looking through two huge tomes on the Bauhaus and Rodchenko recently loaned to me by a friend.

What are you currently listening to?
Christine and the Queens – Chris, Lake Street Dive and waiting for a new episode of The Anthropocene Reviewed to drop.

Happiness is?
Hanging out with friends and family.

What does the future hold for you?
In the near future my world is full of all things DESIGN Canberra! As part of the festival I have an exhibition Mechanical Sampling at Craft ACT 31 October – 14 December, an Open Studio at Gorman Arts Centre on 16 November and a Living Rooms event on 17 November. Looking further ahead, I’m excited to be able to spend more time on some collaborative projects that have recently been languishing on the back burner.

Phoebe is the Designer-In-Residence of the 2019 DESIGN Canberra Festival – which takes place across Canberra: 4 – 24 November. For more information, visit: www.designcanberrafestival.com.au for details.

Image: Phoebe Porter – photo by Andrew Sikorski