Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Calluori Holcombe.
Hi Anna, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
BIOGRAPHY
Anna Calluori Holcombe spent her career studying and teaching. She graduated cum laude with a BA in art education from Montclair State University in 1974. She received her MFA in ceramics from Louisiana State University in 1977. Teaching in higher education since 1978, her first position was at Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, then at State University of New York at Brockport. In 1994, she was appointed Head of the Art Department at Kansas State University and served in that position for 6 years. From 2007 – 2010, she served as Director of the School of Art and Art History at the University of Florida, taught for the next 12 years and is currently a Professor Emeritus.
Calluori Holcombe exhibits internationally, having work in shows in Italy, France, Germany, Hungary, Turkey, Switzerland, South Korea, China and Australia. She was awarded the Rotary Gold Medal for the 46th International Exhibition, Faenza, Italy in 1989. Her work is represented in numerous international journals such as Ceramics Technical, New Ceramics and Ceramica.
In 1997, she was honored as a Fellow of the National Council on Education in the Ceramic Arts ( NCECA). She is an elected member of the International Academy of Ceramics (AIC-IAC) since 2002. She was awarded a Fulbright to Turkey in 2013 where she taught at Anadolu University.
Calluori Holcombe continues to be active in her field, serving on the Board of The Mark Project, chairing a commission for the IAC and giving presentations. She also keeps active in her studio practice.
www.annaholcombe.com
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I would be lying if I said it was smooth the entire way. My father died when my brother and I were young children and a good deal of responsibility fell on my shoulder. Somehow, a single mom sewing for living, sent us both to college and we have since had successful careers.
I need to note that I often felt I was not taken seriously as a woman in my field. I was fortunate, however, to have amazing mentors where that was not an issue. I was encouraged to go to grad school by my undergrad professor William McCreath and in grad school, Joe Bova helped me attain my goal of college professor. I keep in touch with them to this day.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Artist Statement/Technique
Piante Series
When I travel and explore the world, I cannot help but make connections. Nature is one place that I look for these connections. Interestingly, the word nature has multiple definitions, ranging from a person’s inherent character to an organ’s function and to the flora and fauna found in the landscape. By taking natural objects and using them in a digital form creates a juxtaposition I interested in exploring.
Scanning is an important part of my process with the Piante series. Photogrammetry reconstructs a 3D scene from multiple photographs of an object taken from various angles and positions. The mesh created can be easily manipulated and then 3D model printed in plastic. Molds are made from these models for slip casting porcelain. I work in an assemblage fashion to create a sculptural arrangement, suggesting a relationship between the forms that takes on the genre of the still life.
Artist Statement
Natura Viva Series
With the Natura Viva series, the work comes from experiences in artist residencies and travel. On one of many trips to trip to Jingdezhen, China, a visit to the “decal store” was a new experience, which opened up unique possibilities. Once back in my studio at home, I started working with commercial, vintage and digital decals in a collage-like fashion, cutting and “pasting” them to fit the areas and concept I am interested in. The shift from two-dimensional to three-dimensional as well as from negative and positive space, becomes critical to the composition.
I use commercial and vintage decals in a collage-like fashion, cutting and “pasting” them to fit the areas and concept I am interested in. The shift from two-dimensional to three-dimensional as well as from negative and positive space, becomes critical to the composition. All this is in an effort to engage the viewer in the visual shifts and relationships formed.
What makes you happy?
What brings me happiness in both my work and in my life in general is nature. Nature provides peace, beauty, and a break from everyday stress. Spending time outdoors, such as walking in a park, hiking, or simply sitting near the ocean, helps me feel relaxed and refreshed. When surrounded by plants, animals, and natural landscapes I am inspired creatively. It helps me appreciate the world around me. Nature also creates meaningful memories with family and friends and my many travels.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.annaholcombe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna_calluori_holcombe_art/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anna.c.holcombe
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-calluori-holcombe-48965412/
