The work of Sarah Holland uses abstraction and manipulation of her medium, to mirror the complexities of nature and female mental health. Her body of work comprises of abstracted landscapes, natural forms and female portraiture.
Combining her work as a ceramicist, Sarah takes inspiration from the elements and earth such as sand, clay, salt, metal, water and manipulates them with acrylic and ink to create abstract works that echo her ceramic projects. These works celebrate the layers and compression of the earth built up over millions of years to create a vast and complex landscape. They are a synthesis of control and chaos, much like her experiences, inspiration, materials and process. This is not just a celebration of creation and evolution, but also a metaphor for the mental health impact from years of compression, oppression, solitude and labor women have experienced. Although these works are born out of hers, and other female experiences, they are meant as a moment of validation and solidarity for anyone who has felt controlled or silenced.
In her previous portraiture work, she uses techniques such as disrupted realism. With this she is able to capture the female experience visually, by drawing in the eye but confusing the mind. This painterly technique is a metaphor for the contradictions of society and the chaos in expectation verses reality.
In all her work Sarah emphasizes the idea of a veiled or a filtered reality being exposed and retold on canvas.
Ceramics
Her work with clay combines both function and beauty, and has been a moment of pause and reflection in her journey as a creator. Taking a special interest in glaze and its unpredictable nature, this work has inspired her painting, as well as being a valid form of well-being therapy.
Sassypop
Working as a full time artist, Sarah supplements her work with other creative outlets under her commercial title "Sassypop", which is based on her childhood nickname. She offers murals, window art and face painting, across the North West of England. Please contact her more information and bookings.