Cas Holmes

I trained as a fine artist and my approach to my textile work uses the same conventions and language. Interpretation of my ideas in fabric and other found materials means the work is approachable and familiar.
I often work on collaborations developing a range of work based on environmental themes from the natural and observed world to the memories of journeys and places. I continue to exhibit new work as an individual and as examples of these collaborations.

My main employment is as a  free-lance artist working on commissions both for public spaces and for the home environment. In addition to exhibiting work, I give talks and workshops at  various venues including museums, galleries and colleges of further education. Part-time tutoring for Adult Education and at West Dean College are a regular part of my teaching practice.

‘Cas Holmes has a down-to-earth approach to life and her art takes her on flights of fancy,  which evoke folk cultures, traditions and mythology with an abandon which ignores all barriers. Sometimes figurative, sometimes wholly abstract she has an unerring faith in her feeling for her materials. Confidence pours from her work and with it a power and sophistication that brings to it an almost religious sensation of ancient wisdom revisited.

Her work is inevitably influenced by her visits to Japan but more as someone who would use that influence to reaffirm her own strengths. That is her originality.

Her materials are overwhelmingly organic and appear to have been given new life. Paper ages and crinkles with a will of its own and is made exquisitely into a Japanese style panels allowing  light to pass through, or are incorporated into one of her unique quilted hangings. Behind it all there is a sense of grand design under the control of the artist. It is both decorative and rich in symbolism.

A sense of provocation displays her commitment to art as part of life and shows richly in her dedication to community projects into which she throws herself like an avenging demon.’ – Ralph Steadman

Location: Maidstone
Website: www.casholmes.textilearts.net
Contact: casholmes28@yahoo.co.uk

Tags: found materials, maidstone, paper