Arts & Culture
23 August, 2026
Artist of the Week – Liz Holland
I live in Bowral, in the beautiful Southern Highlands! We moved here almost 10 years ago for the fresh air, open space and slower pace.
Where do you live and why do you choose to live there? If you could live anywhere else, where would it be?
I live in Bowral, in the beautiful Southern Highlands! We moved here almost 10 years ago for the fresh air, open space and slower pace. If we ever moved, it would have to be somewhere just a touch warmer in the winter and not on a street lined with deciduous trees where the wind blows every single leaf onto our property!
How long have you been producing art?
I have been producing art in one form or another since I was little. I have focused on working with glass in the last 2 years.
When did you first consider yourself an 'artist'?
I have always considered myself artistic but have never really considered myself to be an actual artist. Having since looked up the term artist and the description being a person who creates works of art, using imagination and skill, I shall now declare myself to be an artist!
How would you describe your work?
My work is colourful, vibrant, and unique. Every piece is beautiful as well as practical. I create pieces that are as enjoyable to use as they are to admire. Whether displayed as a statement piece or used every day, I want my work to be admired, as well as functional.
What is your favourite medium?
Glass is my favourite medium because it is unlike any other material. I love the way it captures, reflects, and transforms light, it is stunning! Creating colours and patterns that change depending on the light provides endless creativity. Working with glass allows me to combine colour, texture and form to create functional pieces like plates and bowls that are not only beautiful but can also be enjoyed and used every day. Just like working with paint, every piece is completely different every piece is truly unique.
What inspires you as an artist?
I find inspiration in the colours of glass, and the endless possibilities of combining colours to create a harmonious piece. I have been creating solid colour geometric works and currently working on Australian native flowers as well as tulips for tulip time. Knowing that something I've made can become part of someone's home is motivating and continues to inspire me to create.
Do you work alone or is art for you a social pursuit?
I do work alone creating. I would love to have a social aspect to it, however glass makers are hard to come by. My old dog Stella keeps me company sometimes when she can sit in the sun.
Social media has changed the way people with interact with art and with artists. Galleries may no longer have the same relevance. Do you think that's a good thing?
Social media has been a positive change for both artists and audiences. It has made art more accessible, created opportunities for artists to connect directly with people from all over the world and sell their work directly. Platforms like Instagram allow artists to share their creative process, tell stories about themselves, their art, and showcase their work without relying solely on traditional galleries. Galleries still play an important role in presenting art professionally and allowing people to experience works in person, however, social media has expanded the art world, giving emerging artists greater visibility, making it easier for people to discover and appreciate unique handmade work.
If you had some advice for your younger self, what would it be?
Create the time for yourself and go for it!
If you had some advice for people afraid of exhibiting their work or showing their work in public, what would it be?
I would say don't let fear stop you from sharing something you love. When I first started making glass, I didn't really tell many people and just worked on it in my own time. I was even more nervous about showing my work in public. It was like I was revealing a huge secret I had kept to myself and really putting myself out there! Like many people, I worried about what others might think and not like it. I realised that the only way to grow is to put myself out there into the world. The encouragement and positive feedback I received really surprised me and gave me confidence I never expected. My advice is to be brave enough to take that first step, whether it's sharing one piece online or at a local market. You never know who your work will connect with, and the people who truly appreciate handmade art will see the passion and effort behind every piece.
When you are not producing art, how do you spend your time?
I work 4 days a week, love spending time pottering in the garden and walking my 3 dogs. You can also find me doing laps around the neighbourhood clocking up endless hours with our learner driver!
Who is the artist that you most admire?
I have always adored Dale Chihuly's amazing blown glass works and sculpture installations. The way he can create such a sense of softness and flow from a solid object is breathtaking.
How can people appreciate your work?
You can find me at the monthly Bowral Public School Markets and the Centennial Vineyards Markets. I have also been selected as stockist at the Little Trade Co in Canberra, where I have some select pieces for sale online and instore. You can also find me on Instagram @lizhollandglass
If you weren't an artist, what would you be?
My mother always reminds me that when I was little I wanted to be a nurse on weekdays and a florist on weekends! I was studying to be a sonographer however covid, young children and distance made it all too hard. I would love to be a lady of leisure!
--------------
Subscribe to The Southern Wire Newsletter for free at the link below.
https://subscribe-forms.beehiiv.com/1986abc6-c89e-4781-9db2-cf35c9dd71e4
If you value independent local journalism across the Highlands, Tablelands and Wollondilly, please click the link below to support us to ensure we remain paywall free.
Read More: Southern Highlands, Southern Tablelands, Wollondilly