About
Asher Holman grew up in San Francisco and was first exposed to glass-blowing at Public Glass, a local arts non-profit, when he was 16. Drawn in by the dynamic community of artists, the physicality of the medium, and a fascination with the mesmerizing molten material he began down the road of pursuing a career as a glass artist. Asher decided to attend a school where he could work towards this goal. In 2017 he received his BA at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky with a major in studio art focused in glass. While at Centre he studied under and worked for the world renowned glass artist Stephen Rolf Powell. Steve was a major influence and mentor for Asher, and pushed him to pursue all kinds of opportunities in the world of glass. Throughout his college years he attended summer classes at Pilchuck Glass School in Seattle, worked as an intern for Public Glass, and learned from a master glassmaker in Murano, Italy. After graduating, Asher moved to Asheville where he was employed as a professional glass artist for 6 years, working for other studios and independent artists while making his own work on the side. In 2022 Asher began the process of opening his own studio, Small Batch Glass. Able to open to the public in February 2023, he was able to realize the longtime dream of operating in his own space and sharing his passion for blown glass art.
Asher Holman’s blown works serve as a testament to the enduring influence of scientific innovation and the craftsmanship of skilled artisans. These concepts seem almost polar to one another, but through the medium of blown glass he seeks to marry them. Specifically as these concepts relate to significant man-made constructs, thematically represented in these works through topographical maps and the Fresnel (lighthouse) lens. These intricate glass artworks are a homage to the pioneering spirit of exploration and innovation that defined past eras. He adeptly draws inspiration from these pillars of human ingenuity to breathe life into their work, imbuing it with compelling forms, captivating patterns, and intriguing textures.
Working with a fluid honey like material that is over 2000 degrees requires both precision, strength, and intention. Asher draws inspiration from a rich history of glassmaking, ranging from traditional Venetian craftsmanship to contemporary American innovations. The techniques he uses to create the patterns and effects in these works involve stretching, twisting and layering the molten glass. It is in these processes that the hand of the artist becomes embedded in his works of blown glass art.
