Brian Holland

Holland works with various of clays to create ceramic sculpture and vessels expressing his engagement with the visual physical world.

Employing a variety of firing technique, some pieces low fired in an electric kiln others high fired in reduction conditions in a gas kiln, occasionally Holland employs Raku techniques. Many are multi -fired until a desired surface is achieved.

Recently Holland has coiled several large heads responding to human characteristics and behaviour as well as many more large jars.

‘I have participated in and organised several large exhibitions in and around Sheffield, especially when I chaired Sheffield Contemporary art Trust which attracted Arts Council funding. Most of these were site specific- my MA focused on site specific work- sites including on 4 occasions the Sheffield Cathedral, and Selby Abbey. I also participated in site specific exhibitions at Midland Railway station, Sheffield and the Botanical gardens where several of my pieces still share their space with exotic plants.

In 2000, The Arts Council designated year of the artist, I won an award for a residency at Bolsover Castle where I made work for various locations within the castle, and I ran several workshops for the visitors there.  In 2005  I had Arts council Funding for a two month residency at the Rufford Craft Centre Nottingham , where I was already responsible for firing the large wood fire anagamma kiln, whist there I was a founder member of the Rufford Wood Firing Society, which continued until. the centre was closed down.

I have been Chair of The Northern Potters Association, and took an exhibition across to The Miusee de la Poterie, in Sadirac on the outskirts of Bordeaux. I was fortunate enough for the museum to purchase one of my large figurative pieces for their collection.

In 2005 I took a Northern Potters show to The Oxo Tower in London, this was repeated in 2007.

Since the 70’s I have exhibited my work in Solo and group shows too many to innumerate, and continue to be active with ceramic shows. I am co-ordinator for the Sheffield Ceramics Festival which is held early April- this last weekend- at Kelham Island Industrial Museum.’

 

Showing all 3 results