We love shining a spotlight on our students and this month (February 2025) we’re shining it on long-time student and talented artist Annette Holtkamp. Her artistic path blends science, nature and an evolving connection to materials. It really is a journey from science to art!
For decades Annette has balanced her professional life as a physicist and information manager with the creation of art quilts. Thanks to her art studies through college, Annette’s artistic focus has shifted in recent years towards sculptural work, embracing a diverse array of fibers and materials. Here she shares some insights into her art practice, in her own words…
Texture and Materiality
My current work is driven by an obsession with texture and materiality. Due to my aphantasia, haptic impressions are essential in my practice. I find joy in crafting delicate sculptures from organic materials and handmade papers or combining these with found objects and discarded items like rusty metal into collages. Each piece evolves through an intense dialogue with the materials at hand, typically without a predetermined plan. This approach allows me to playfully explore the often-overlooked beauty inherent in natural elements.
Experimenting with Bioplastics and Natural Ingredients
Last year marked a period of experimentation with three-dimensional objects constructed from bioplastics and other natural ingredients. I delved into the creative potential of everyday materials such as coffee grounds, orange peels, and eggshells, pushing the boundaries of what constitutes an artistic medium.
My most recent project involves a series of minimalist translucent vessels crafted exclusively from vegetables, without the use of adhesives. This work aims to unveil the hidden potential within seemingly ordinary organic matter. I find particular fascination in the agency of these materials, observing how the regular form of a vessel may transform over time into an intriguing, quirky shape as it dries. These objects are not only visually striking but also environmentally conscious, being fully compostable and even edible. Their translucency invites to play with light and shadow.
In collaboration with a photographer, I'm currently working on a photo book that highlights the textures and colors of these ephemeral vessels.
Future Directions: Durability and Kinetic Sculptures
Looking ahead, I plan to investigate methods for enhancing the durability of these ephemeral vessels while maintaining their minimal ecological footprint. Additionally, I look forward to exploring the creation of more complex, kinetic sculptures that combine vegetables with armatures constructed from paper yarn, vine, or other organic materials.
We could only include a few images of Annette's work and highly recommend that you head over to Instagram to see more of her work.
