Jessica Philbrick

This week we have challenged feminist artist and photographer Jessica Philbrick to choose 11 items that represents her and her life in the past, present and future!

Photographer: Laissa Miller (@temptedfoxphotography)

One item that represents your childhood: Birthday Cards

"I am a very sentimental person and hold onto many objects from my past. I have kept every card I receive on birthdays, Christmas, leaving parties and other significant events. The collection of these cards trace the narratives of where I have been (as I have moved a lot), who has come and gone from my life, the significant friends at certain points in my life, and what interests I had that year. Many of these cards hold sweet messages from friends and family and serve as documentation of cherished memories and a reference point for how others can hold such appreciation for you."

One item that represents your nationality: Woolen Blanket

"I recently purchased a woolen blanket that shares the colours of my paintings (pastel pink, blue and yellow). I am a New Zealander and these woolen blankets were always in New Zealand homes, at holiday homes, were always a bit scratchy in the bed, but kept you super warm! I think these blankets are a bit of a novelty now and purchasing them new or second hand they can get up to quite a price! I was so happy to find one that held the colours of my paintings and second hand for about $8NZD. It now feels like I have a piece of my New Zealand home and the link to my art practice."

One item that represents your biggest passion: A Journal

"I am a big mental health advocate and find great interest and importance in exploring one's emotions. A journal represents a space that one can do so. Ironically, I do not journal as religiously as I would preach to do so; but my small collections of journals (diaries and art journals) represent an intense emotional journey, a safe space for recording and accepting your life and thoughts, and a resource for reflecting on your progress, growth and change. Journalling is such a valuable tool for self-expressing and organising your thoughts. For me they also act as an archive of my life and help me feel my existence is recorded."

One item that represents your highest ambition in life: Books

"To me books represent endless opportunities to learn, explore, discover and escape. Being an academic, learning is something I strive to do everyday. Learning about new characters, new worlds, languages, music, relationships, culture, recipes, new perspectives... If I can sense I have learnt something in a day, no matter how small, it feels like a good day. I hope that I can maintain that pace of curiosity about the world during my entire life. The thought of mundane complacency terrifies me as each day holds something new in it."

One item that represents your current mood: My Bedroom

"My bedroom. Not so much an item, but it is a space that is my own. I have recently moved back from Berlin to New Zealand and back into my family home. My room represents a safe space for me to reconnect with myself, to rest, to read, to paint and more. I am also in recovery from a hip operation, so having a comfortable space to call my own that feels relaxing and is filled with some of my favourite objects, colours and plants is my saving grace right now. As someone who has anxiety, finding a safe space physically, and within myself, is crucial to soothing and working through any difficult moments. My bedroom represents my current mood of self-care and repair. "

One item that represents your favourite person: Silver Locket Necklace

"A silver locket necklace with the tiniest picture of my youngest brother on one side. My brother is 13 years younger than I am and is such a sweet kid. I often wear this necklace when I am feeling a little bit stressed or lost, especially when I was living overseas, to remind me of my family and that there are people out there I care for and who care for me. I was given this necklace on my 18th birthday, which is a significant birthday year in New Zealand. It also reminds me of a time of great transition in my life: venturing into adulthood with many new lessons ahead, though you carry your past with you too for support."

Photography and artwork by Jessica Philbrick. Check out more of Jessica's art and photography here.

One item that represents your style: Orange Jumper

"My orange turtle neck jumper scored at Humana in Friedrichshain. I do own two orange jumpers now. Orange is such a warm colour, while also vibrant and fun. I think I associate it with the warmth of the orange more. It is something I love to pair with the rest of my (mostly) black clothes and it instantly brightens things up, I suit the colour, and not many others wear orange! I always get compliments on the colour, which boosts my ego a bit for the day! As a female, it can be a challenge to find clothes that you feel totally comfortable and confident in. This particular orange jumper makes me feel good each time I wear it."

One item that represents your greatest fear: Silence

"This question was the hardest to answer. Not for lack of fears, but drawing a complete blank. Then I remembered that I do not like being unable to identify what I am thinking or feeling. So, the silence is the fear."

One item that represents your profession: Cameras

"My cameras (and art supplies). While those are more than a single item, both photography and painting are the most prominent materials to my art practice. I would say a film camera, a 35mm point and shoot, is the most used by me and represents best the element of documenting domestic and interior spaces. Many of my photographs (film, digital or snapped on my phone) do typically inform my painting. My paintings are mostly based off of photos of places I have been or spent significant time in. Contrary to this, I have shifted gears a little and am now studying psychology to work towards becoming a therapist. I would say this route is more my 'profession' while art is more my passion or creative interest. Though both domains, for me at least, explore the nuances of human emotion. One is simply visual, while the other is more academic."

One item that represents the past year: Laptop

"My laptop. While I do not wish for technology to be an integral part of my life, my laptop (and thus access to the internet) has been the greatest resource for me in the last year. I have returned to studies, which was conducted all online. I watched Netflix over lockdown periods like the rest of the world. I researched, I wrote, I listened, I reached out to people and I learnt with this tool. While taking a screen break was crucial, I was able to access so many new things through my laptop and am really grateful."

One item that represents you: Charm Bracelet

"I have a silver charm bracelet that I have had since about the age of 8. My Mum buys me charms for significant moments or memories in my life. If the house were burning down, that is what I would save."