Holly Atkinson graduated from the University of Toronto and Sheridan College with a BFA in Art Education. She worked in Calgary as a graphic artist, in Toronto and Paris, France as a mural artist and has extensive knowledge in the bronze casting industry.

She is a member of several art organizations as well as The Society of Canadian Artists, The Colour and Form Society, The Medallic Art Society of Canada and The International Federation of Medals.

Holly sculpts in various mediums including fabric, paper and resin, bronze and various metals, winterstone and ceramic.

Her new work evolves from photographs and sketches and is translated with fabric and paper to figurative images of light, shadow, contour and line.

Her work can be found in private and corporate collections in Canada, United States, England and Finland.

Artist Statement

As an artist, it becomes essential and urgent for me to design and construct works that are intimate and distinctive. It is my intention to experiment and push the limits of what can be created from various mediums. My work is a culmination of my view of the world without prejudice, allowing me to portray society’s vulnerabilities with sensitivity and freedom. My concern is not the monetary worth of my art, but rather the emotional connection that I create for myself and resonate with my audience.

I have explored the possibilities presented by materials such as clay, winterstone, resin, paper and bronze. It is ultimately metal that excites me the most; the permanence, the finality, the weight of it. The lost wax process stimulates and challenges my creativity. Sculpting in wax allows me to be spontaneous and alternately structured. Finally, the art of patination brings my pieces to life.

In my designs I see beauty and inspiration in cultures that are distinct from my own. Living in Paris, I was influenced by the diversity of the culture: the people, the faces, the clothing, the adornments and architecture. Further influence comes from my North American Indian heritage that draws me to their artifacts, beading, jewelry and the character in their facial features.

In my latest body of work, I portray masks or faces of people I have seen or imagined from personal experiences in the past or present. It may evoke an intense emotion, capture a restrained mood or merely recollect another time or place. My source of inspiration are photos I have taken, expressions scribbled on paper, instantaneous sketches, books read, collages and objects found in nature. Simply, I bring together all these influences and a touch of spontaneity to this organic process. All my work is created by conveying together my innate sense of wonder and exploration of myself and my surroundings.

My goal for the future is to add new elements such as wood, bone, stone, and natural found objects to my designs. Finally, my intention is to continue to explore new resources that include beading, precious gems and other metals such as copper, iron and steel. Essentially, remaining true to myself and creating works with integrity and purpose is vital to my growth as an artist.