Phillips was born and raised in the Upper Valley region of New Hampshire. After serving in the United States Air Force she returned to college to pursue her art degree. While an undergraduate student Jessica received many awards most notable the Ann Flack Boseman Scholarship and Solo Exhibit. Jessica graduated Magna Cum Laude from UNC-Wilmington.
In 2006 she moved to Southwestern Vermont and began renovating an old barn, turning it in to her ceramic studio.
Jessica follows the belief that the best foundation an artist can have is to know what came before them. Ancient Greek and Sung Dynasty ceramics along with the Art Nouveau movement influence her work. She is involved in each step in the ceramic process and this is a vital part of who she is as an artist and is reflected in her work.
To create a vessel Jessica starts by making a series of sketches to get the basic shape. Then with an image in her mind she begins the process from raw clay to finished form. Pieces are created through a combination of hand building and the use of a potter’s wheel. Taking inspiration from the natural world she makes both sculptural and functional forms.
