Chad Holliday is a prominent glass artist and educator who has made significant contributions to the field of glass sculpture and education. His work is characterized by a deep understanding of the properties of glass, particularly its interaction with light and space, and is influenced by a range of artistic movements including Cubism, Constructivism, and Czech aesthetics.

Education and Early Career:

Chad Holliday received his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from Emporia State University in Kansas. He then went on to earn his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in glass sculpture and metal fabrication/jewelry design from the Rochester Institute of Technology. This diverse educational background provided him with a strong foundation in both traditional and contemporary artistic techniques.

Fulbright Fellowship:

In 2007, Holliday was awarded a prestigious Fulbright Fellowship, which marked a significant turning point in his career. This fellowship allowed him to conduct research on glass education at the Secondary School of Glassmaking in Kamenicky Senov, Czechia, which is renowned as the first glass school in the world. During his time in the Czech Republic, Holliday not only conducted research but also taught classes, further developing his skills as both an artist and an educator.

Artistic Philosophy and Influences:

Holliday’s work is deeply influenced by his experiences in the Czech Republic, as well as his interest in Gothic art, particularly St. Vitus’s Cathedral. He is fascinated by the use of primordial forms and the manipulation of light in art. Holliday’s artistic philosophy revolves around the concept of “seeing” and accessing what he terms the “collective consciousness” or “back brain”.

In his sculptures, Holliday explores the unique properties of glass, particularly its ability to create interior space and interact with light. He considers these elements, along with the traditional sculptural dimensions of height, width, and depth, as “assets” in his work. Holliday also incorporates the concept of time as a “fourth dimension” in his sculptures, creating works that engage viewers on multiple levels.

Teaching Career:

Following his Fulbright Fellowship, Holliday entered academia as a professor of three-dimensional arts. In this role, he has taught a range of subjects including ceramics, glass, sculpture, and three-dimensional design. This experience has broadened his aesthetic influences and deepened his understanding of artistic principles.

Exhibitions and Recognition:

Holliday has showcased his work in various settings. His “Sheet Glass Album” features select images from exhibitions, demonstrating that his work has been displayed in gallery settings. Additionally, his association with galleries such as George Billis Gallery in New York City and Connecticut, as well as Habatat Galleries, suggests that his work has received recognition in prestigious art circles.

Current Work:

Holliday continues to create glass sculptures that explore the interplay of space, time, and light. His work often incorporates repeating dialogues and visual elements inherent to solid cast glass. As an artist and educator, he remains committed to sharing his knowledge and experience, emphasizing the importance of understanding history and purpose in art creation.

Chad Holliday’s career as a glass artist and educator demonstrates a deep commitment to exploring the unique properties of glass as an artistic medium. His work, influenced by a rich tapestry of artistic traditions and personal experiences, continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in glass sculpture.