About the artist

For over thirty years, Richard Phelps has owned Silkworm Screen Printing and is a fixture of the creative community in Ventura County. While his days are spent in the precision of ink and mesh, his true creative sanctuary is found in the rhythmic tides of the Pacific. As a surfer, Richard translates his lifelong connection to the ocean into his ceramic practice. His ceramics are a direct reflection of the California coastline, mirroring the fluid movement of the swell and the shifting colors of the horizon.

He draws directly from the water's edge, utilizing a palette of deep blues, vibrant teals, and the crisp white of sea foam, all grounded by the earthy, muted tones of sun-drenched beach sand.

Each piece serves as a tactile exploration of the organic textures and coastal energy that define his work with hand sculpted figurines and underglaze painted designs. Ultimately, Richard’s work serves as a lasting tribute to the spirit of the Ventura coast, inviting others to share in the quiet strength and beauty of the sea.