Holly Roddenbery

Bio

Holly Roddenbery embraces craft with a combination of traditional and contemporary methods. Trained in the field of metalsmithing, her work showcases intimate details of silver and various metals in combination with other materials such as paper and wood. The contemplation of adornment is evident as much of her work adorns the body or invites interaction with the viewer. Holly currently resides in Greenville, North Carolina. Her attraction to wearables and traditional metalsmithing processes led her there to pursue an MFA in Metal Design at East Carolina University. Prior, she received a BFA in Art at Valdosta State University in Georgia. 

Passionate about topics of wellness, religion, and philosophy, her current conceptual work is a response to the opioid epidemic that affects communities nationwide.

Artist Statement for Sculptural Work

As I make, I question what it might look like if I could see the phenomena of the ethereal in physical form. I am intrigued by transcendent states such as divine ecstasy, serenity, and reverential awe and express these notions through creating objects that allude to sacred space. To illustrate this ethereal language, the form of a vessel is used as an allegorical expression of the soul in communion and as a sanctuary for reflection. The minute scale of the containers presents an invitation to draw near for an intimate experience of wonder and discovery. 

Recognizing that certain forms may be perceived or viewed as having sexual references, I have selected them to challenge the viewer, to question the experience of pleasure, and to express a spiritual ecstasy that correlates with the physical and the symbolic. Inspiration was appropriated from Christian spirituality which is often infused with sexual imagery. For example, the Song of Songs, a book in the Bible, is an erotic love poem and was frequently allegorized in the medieval church to describe the yearning of the soul for God. 

 Select meditative processes are used in the development of the work. The pieces are constructed with turned, carved, and pierced wood and adorned with various types of inlay. Gradients of color enhance spatial depth to convey an atmospheric presence while reflective elements and pierced components interact with the surrounding environment of light. Through this body of work, I intend to inspire wonder, contemplation, and imagination about our shared existence.