Sylvia Holmes

Sylvia Holmes

Sylvia Holmes enjoys using layers of texture, line and colour to create rich, evocative surfaces on simple thrown or hand-built stoneware forms. Her inspiration can come from anywhere, from tyre tracks in snow to nerve transmission diagrams, from lichens growing on logs to satellite imagery.

Stained vitreous slips, along with small amounts of crackle, volcanic and dry glaze are applied to the surface of bone-dry stoneware forms. After bisque firing, the pieces are patinated to bring out the various surface textures, interiors are glazed if necessary, and then further work is done to enliven the surface before the pieces are fired to approx 1240° in an electric kiln.

Sylvia’s work appeals through her use of volume and decoration. Her pieces benefit from a long look which takes in the balance of her abstract decoration as well as the subtle use of colour. Whilst her decorative style may have familiar elements, there is no doubt that it is distinctly her voice.