This work started with some chance encounters with postcards of benches. Philips realised that he associated benches with mortality as he spent much of the day that his father died on a bench in Clapham Common. Philips described the artwork as representing the ten pre-purgatorial circles and that the pictures from the postcards, describes the progressive abandonment of hope. For Philips benches are the emblem of mortality.
‘From this picture people may look at postcards (and back to things), may look at benches, may examine the actions they perform and the ritual places of these actions and come to view them as metaphors.’
I was drawn to Philips work because of the feeling of familiarity but also heaviness. Benches belong to the public but hold different rituals for each individual. Seeing this work, pushed me to make a bench that would allow for space for new rituals. Philips highlighted to public private tension of a bench.