Alison Holmans – portfolio

Contact the artist

https://www.chickenrunstudio.co.uk
07452 956559
achholmans60@gmail.com

My first contact with clay was back in New Zealand in the ‘70s where I was born. In 1980, I embarked on the ‘overseas’ experience’ and a new life in the UK.  Yet it wasn’t until 2016  that I would I have the time to set up my studio, here in Eynsham,  wake up the skills I had learnt and clear the dust from all the accumulated ideas I wanted to try.  10 years on I present an ‘evolving’ collection of functional stoneware & porcelain ceramics, wheel-thrown & hand-built.

 Whilst I like pottery to be functional, it also has to be aesthetic and I would want it to be on show. The ‘Maori People’ in New Zealand  didn’t work with clay, but they were master woodcarvers, weavers and tattoo artists and their patterns have influenced my work as has the flora and fauna of my homeland. Travel abroad to regions in the Pacific,  the British countryside and its wilder regions  are also present in my work.  I am always addressing aesthetics in both glazes and texture: techniques of sgrafitto, silicone silicate, impression printing and drawing on pots. Porcelain itself has been fun because of its translucency, challenges in handling and strength. 

Experimenting is fundamental in approaching my ideas and I enjoy learning different techniques. It is wonderful to have the time to ‘just play.’ That is why I have such an eclectic range of work on display. 

I have dug the local clay and fired it (successfully) and like to use it in a Raku firing. I have experimented with donated found clays (interesting but not always successful, though there is always a story to tell) and I have over the last year been making my own glazes from recipes.

 I do enjoy sharing ideas and love the challenge of commissions, when I take on someone’s aspirations for the medium.  I have made commissioned work for special weddings; Even worked with ‘cremation ash’ to produce a unique Robin Birdbath as a memorable garden piece.  I also run ‘Experience Sessions’ helping someone fulfil a dream, make something special and help them to learn new skills as they enjoy the medium.    Regular sessions also enable budding potters/ceramacists to try new techniques and a person can have tailored made one on one sessions to personalise the development of skills.   You are never too old to learn, having taught a 90 year old on the wheel. 

 Throughout the year my work is always available to see in my home  ( locals know to call by, should they require something at short notice)  I welcome all  visitors to my studio and if I know you are coming there will always be a welcome with cake and a cuppa. (please phone in advance)