Holland Hoagland, 65, is primarily a representative sculptor of wood and stone, and uses both full-round and relief methods. The Pelham artist’s subject matter is often wildlife in action, and occasionally humans, in sculptures that represent emotional scenes.
Hampshire Life: What are you currently working on?
Holland Hoagland: I’m working on my “Inuit study series,” stone sculptures in the nature of traditional Inuit people of northern Canada. As a balance to intensive carving, I work in the additive process by creating life-like, life-size bird and/or fish species in rice paper and acrylics.
H.L.: What is your creative process like?
H.H.: My creative process, as with many artists, is triggered by the “muse’ within. I often follow my creative urge when I look at a piece of wood or stone and see the figure within, letting the chisel release the figure, limb by limb.
H.L.: What does it feel like when you’re on the right track with a sculpture?
H.H.: It is a very satisfying feeling, seeing the figure emerge from the stone or wood. Since I started carving as a teen, the process just feels right, not a struggle, but certainly always a challenge to capture the specific look or feel of the figure.
H.L.: What did you do today that relates to your art?
H.H.: I hand-sharpened my chisels.
H.L.: What are your immediate goals?
H.H.: I have been eyeing a beautiful block of marble, which has been calling out to me when I pass it by in my yard. Well, now is the time to turn the lovely stone into a creature of nature and energy. Hopefully, my muse will give me the “go ahead” to start my new idea, waiting to be released from the lovely stone.
— Kathleen Mellen
“ANIMAL DREAMS: Souls of wildlife in stone, wood and paper,” sculptures by Holland Hoagland, is on view through June 30 at the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 300 Westgate Center Road in Hadley. Gallery hours are Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For information about Hoagland’s art, visit www.holhoaglandart.com.