Veil 2

Jason Holley

Based in Amherst Cove, Newfoundland, Jason Holley studied at Memorial University of Newfoundland, the College of the North Atlantic and the Craft Council Clay Studio in St. John’s, Newfoundland. His chainmail ceramic sculptures were exhibited in the gallery at the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Cheongju International Craft Biennale in South Korea, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia in Halifax and The Rooms in St. John’s, Newfoundland. He was awarded The People’s Choice Award at The Artist Project, 2012 in Toronto.

The hand built, raku fired linked chains appear strong, heavy and permanent but in reality are delicate, airy and vulnerable. Holley describes his building process: “It can be unforgiving. Mistakes in the pattern compound themselves and can be difficult to dig out. The clay must be specifically dry: too wet and it warps; too dry and it crumbles. It requires a discipline and commitment I’ve not managed anywhere else in life.”

In 2012 Holley was nominated for the prestigious RBC Emerging Artist Award hosted by the Gardiner Museum, Canada’s only museum devoted exclusively to ceramic art.

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