I would like to take a moment to write a few words about Nina Hole, an incredible ceramicist whose unique work I have been following and admiring since we were introduced in 2009.
Nina Hole, 1941-2016
Guldagergaard Center. A sculpture by Nina Hole can be seen on the lawn.
I was in Denmark that year, doing a residency at the wonderful Guldagergaard International Ceramic Research Center. Nina was one of the founders of Guldagergaard, along with Priscilla Mourizen and a few other ceramics enthusiasts.
Her monumental ceramic sculptures impressed me from the very first. She developed a totally original process of building and firing huge sculptures in the outdoors. Each of Nina's sculptures were not only stunning as a finished work of art - the process itself was a beautiful spectacle of clay and flame.
One of Nina Hole's sculptures during firing
In addition to being a founding member of the Guldagergaard International Ceramic Research Center, Nina was also a founding member of the CLAY Museum of Ceramic Art in Denmark. She was also a member of the International Academy of Ceramics and the Danish Artist Union.
Exterior view of the CLAY museum
Another view of the museum
Interior view
Though I did not know Nina very well personally, when I heard the news of her passing I felt the loss very deeply as a woman and as a ceramic sculptor. She has left an enormous body of knowledge and work for all the world to learn from and enjoy. Please take a moment and read a bit about Nina Hole, a woman with a singularly unique vision who worked to build community and foster growth and exploration in the field of ceramic sculpture.
Sculpture in Minneapolis, MN
Nina with one of her sculptures
"Two Taarn," Boone, NC, USA