pippa barrow

Growing up in Africa as a rather introverted child, Pippa developed what would become a life-long affinity with the natural world, in particular the creatures living in that world. Early career paths in jewellery design and making, and later as a zoologist, provided her with the technical skills and eye for detail that she would later combine in her work as a sculptor.

Largely self-taught, and owing to the lack of a foundry on the island, Pippa’s early works were produced mainly in bronze resin, but she was quickly drawn to the tactile surfaces and rich, layered colours made possible with foundry-cast bronze. She has produced both large and medium scale bronzes for private clients and as works of public art.

More recent work has concentrated on using clay, both as a modelling material for her large-scale bronzes, and as a material in it’s own right. She works on her clay pieces when they are almost dry, more in the way of a stone- or wood carver than a traditional ceramicist, allowing her to achieve the crisp edges and fine finish of her pieces. She keeps her surfaces largely unglazed or partly glazed.

Although Pippa works almost exclusively to commission, she is currently developing an open-ended series of ceramic creatures which combine insect, plant and mammal features, influenced by her love of vintage and antique toys. She is also working on small clay maquettes with very simple forms, exploring elements of non-verbal communication used by animals.

Pippa lives and works in Jersey, UK.