Shane Holland
‘Shane Holland, master craftsman of public, corporate, and gallery sculptural works and lighting pieces.’
After graduating from NCAD/UL in 1989 as an industrial designer I was hired as a part time technician in NCAD in the wood, metal and plastics workshops of the industrial design department (1989-1996). In 1991, I established my studio in Dublin 1, working on models, prototypes for film, industry awards, lighting and furniture projects.
In the intervening years I have worked on hundreds of professional projects for clients in Ireland, UK, Germany, France, UAE, Russia and the USA. In my studio career of over 30 years, I have been fortunate to collaborate with scores of architects, artists, corporate clients, domestic clients, bars, churches, hotels, hairdressing salons, healthcare facilities and film productions.
In my workshop in Co. Meath, I use recovered or recycled items where possible in my work. I’m a keen environmentalist in my community, in the coastal area of North Dublin. I advocate for trees and ocean clean ups on the islands near Skerries. I also build traditional Irish Currachs and row them. My links with the sea result in the use of some found objects in my work. My expertise is in the forming and assembly of metals, working with unconventional materials, creating contrast and balance through mixed media.
My ethos is to try to create items of beauty and elegance which are built to last. I use a diverse palette of materials in my projects, always striving to find the correct choice for the job.
Whilst I continue to work in interiors, my focus has moved towards sculpture and wall art. These pieces often incorporate diverse materials, resins, and often found objects. My sculptures are predominantly metals, incorporating fused geometric shapes, in copper, bronze, steel, and composite aluminium. I have made several public sculptures which can be seen in Skerries, Westport and Ballymun. My work is abstract in nature. Most recently I have exhibited at Maison & Objet, in Paris, where I presented my ‘Infinity Chains’ sculptural piece in Metier d’Art Craft section of the show.