Art by Nancy E. Holt
Nancy E. Holt was born in Nova Scotia and graduated from Acadia University. She taught English and Special Education for 10 years.
Influenced by two quilting grandmothers, it was not surprising she made a decision to make a change in the 80's to embark on a fiber arts career. Producing one-of-a-kind quilts and art quilts, Nancy found an enthusiastic market for both solo and group exhibits. She developed and taught courses and workshops to share her design and fabric dying techniques.
Her passion for colour and the dying process led Nancy to experiment with mediums other than fabric. Vellums, tissues, rice paper and mulberry papers all became new sources of inspiration. In 1994 she devoted her artistic skills exclusively to the paper medium. With much experimentation Nancy developed a unique cut paper technique which uses hand-dyed paper to create innovative images.
There are so many things in life that are gifts to each one of us. Nothing exemplifies this more than those moments when, with camera in hand, my eye is guided to a quite unexpected image and an "Oh My" moment unfolds. So often what is being unveiled is the intricate, surprising beauty of a common object. These moments are precious, rare and truly gifted.
In many cultures receiving a gift implies not ownership but stewardship of a item. It is understood that the object will be passed along to another person. My artwork is a reflection of the images presented by whatever unseen force ensures I turn my head at these very special moments to capture an image. In sharing my work with the public I hope to respect the stewardship of this gift I am so grateful to receive.
