EBPC Potter Profiles |
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Holvila Bonsai Pots - Sweden
By 熊谷 'Valley Bear' (Thor Holvila.)
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熊谷 'Valley Bear' - Thor Holvila.
Thor started making pots for his own trees. He graduated from Bildlinjen at Schillerska Art School, in Sweden. He then sought further teaching, and became an apprentice to Paula Lindfors, a Raku technique pioneer in Sweden. He opened up his own studio in 2009, and has become one of Europe’s most well respected potter, with his pots in huge demand across Europe and the United States. In 2017 Thor was invited to work for a month with Shuhu (Hidemi Katoako) in Tokoname, Japan, amongst other great Japanese bonsai potters. There he was given the honorary potter name of 熊谷 'Valley Bear', the stamp of which will confirm 'second generation' Holvila works.
Thor achieves his expression by using simple tools on very soft, rough clay. The glazes used are mixed from various oxides, ashes and slips of clay.
"As both a goldsmith and a judo instructor my father Berndt Thor Holvila has taught me about creativity, passion and patience. Growing up in a dojo with photos of the masters watching over me has had a great impact on my approach to work and life. Tofukuji and members of the Yokohama guild are masters who I feel strong kinship with. But most inspiration of all comes from a tree that is ready, and needs a pot.
Trees have always been considered sacred in Scandinavia, and each species has a relationship to the Norse gods. The tree symbolizes our strive towards the light, with our roots firmly anchored deep into the earth´s soil and our history. "
Contact: Thor Holvila
E-mail: thorholvila@gmail.com
Website: http://www.holvilabonsaipot.com/
Commissions can be requested through us here.
Thor started making pots for his own trees. He graduated from Bildlinjen at Schillerska Art School, in Sweden. He then sought further teaching, and became an apprentice to Paula Lindfors, a Raku technique pioneer in Sweden. He opened up his own studio in 2009, and has become one of Europe’s most well respected potter, with his pots in huge demand across Europe and the United States. In 2017 Thor was invited to work for a month with Shuhu (Hidemi Katoako) in Tokoname, Japan, amongst other great Japanese bonsai potters. There he was given the honorary potter name of 熊谷 'Valley Bear', the stamp of which will confirm 'second generation' Holvila works.
Thor achieves his expression by using simple tools on very soft, rough clay. The glazes used are mixed from various oxides, ashes and slips of clay.
"As both a goldsmith and a judo instructor my father Berndt Thor Holvila has taught me about creativity, passion and patience. Growing up in a dojo with photos of the masters watching over me has had a great impact on my approach to work and life. Tofukuji and members of the Yokohama guild are masters who I feel strong kinship with. But most inspiration of all comes from a tree that is ready, and needs a pot.
Trees have always been considered sacred in Scandinavia, and each species has a relationship to the Norse gods. The tree symbolizes our strive towards the light, with our roots firmly anchored deep into the earth´s soil and our history. "
Contact: Thor Holvila
E-mail: thorholvila@gmail.com
Website: http://www.holvilabonsaipot.com/
Commissions can be requested through us here.
Potter Showcase
Thor 熊谷 'Valley Bear' Holvila
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The ‘European Bonsai Potters Collective’ is brought to you by Alex Rudd – at www.bonsai4me.com
'Valley Bear'; Thor Holvila is a member and works will regularly be available for sale at www.bonsai4me.com/shop
'Valley Bear'; Thor Holvila is a member and works will regularly be available for sale at www.bonsai4me.com/shop