Philippa Cannan
Philippa Cannan has always been interested in the layers and dimensions of feeling, thought and energies of human experience, which resulted in her practicing for many years as a psychotherapist. How we relate to the natural world, to animals and to each other is of great importance to her. Philippa’s work is inspired by the natural movement, energy and freedom inherent in animals, for her they in many ways embody and symbolise life’s deeper instincts. She is also fascinated by the creative process and has had an abiding interest in the arts and painting which led her to graduate in Fine Art Painting from Brighton University in 2010.
Her work doesn’t lie within the tradition of animal portraiture. Rather it aims to evoke a sense of the innate energies of an animal – the tension between their inherent wildness, as well as their willingness to be tamed, or to be submissive. In her work she focuses on horses in particular, also deer, wolves, foxes, birds of prey and dogs. These animals suggest and perhaps symbolise a life force present in all of nature, together with a freedom and wildness often juxtaposed with an innate intelligence, gentleness and sensitivity. Their grace and beauty of presence and movement draw her to create their images, to convey a sense and feeling of these qualities.
Visceral energies – the versatility and movement embodied in an animal – reflect Philippa’s interest in the physicality and fluidity of paint itself. Colour evokes in her a physical response: ‘The way I’m feeling dictates how I paint, the colour I use creates in me a sensory response. For me there is a grace and beauty in the power, energy and movement of animals. There is a fascination with the instinctual and unconscious - the transient, momentary and ethereal aspects of life.’
Philippa has exhibited regularly in the South East and London. Her work hangs in private collections in the UK, Germany, Middle East and the U.S. She lives and works in Lewes, East Sussex.
Upcoming: Art for Christmas, A Group Show – 29 November - 14 December 2025
Contact Natasha with any enquiries.
