Artist Breakthrough Moments | In Conversation with Ollie Holman
The VAA recently sat down with Yorkshire-based Sculptor Ollie to discuss the pivotal moments in his career so far as he steps into new territories. Ollie first developed an interest in metal as a teenager. Fascinated by the materials strong but delicate character, he would often weld together old cogs and scrap lumps from his fathers scrap pile. Ollie went on to study Art and Design at Leeds College of Art and Loughborough University.
Ollie went on to sell his first sculpture to Cheltenham Racecourse and starred in the popular BBC Show ‘Home is Where the Art Is’. This has propelled his career in recently years with public commissions and new collections constantly in the works.
Keep up-to-date with Ollie’s work: @OllieHolmanSculpture
There was definitely a turning point where things started to click for me. Originally I was exploring both sculpture and sculptural design making metal chairs and lighting that blended function with form. I genuinely thought that path would take off quickly and fund my deeper artistic ambitions. But despite my efforts, the design side didn’t gain much traction. Interestingly, people kept approaching me for sculptures instead.
That shift in demand made me pause and reassess. I decided to lean fully into sculpture and commit to honing my skills. Once I did, opportunities and recognition began to grow, and with that came a real sense of confidence that this could be more than a passion it could be my career. It was a welcome surprise, and it’s worked out for the better. That pivot unlocked something creatively. It gave me the drive to push myself further and the ambition to build a lasting legacy through my work. I’m grateful that art found me. I suspect I might have grown tired of design and missed out on some of my most inspired years.
Looking back, was there a particular moment when you realised your metal sculpture practice had shifted from a passion to a professional career? What did that transition feel like?
Your appearance on the BBC’s Home is Where the Art Is was clearly a game-changer. What was going through your mind in the lead-up to the pitch, and how did you manage the pressure of creating something so personal on such a public platform?
That day was a whirlwind of nerves. I was terrified I wouldn’t be able to communicate my idea properly, especially since I wasn’t allowed to show any sketches, which is normally one of my biggest tools. Sketching helps me bring wild ideas to life and not having that safety net was daunting. But I understood why it had to remain a surprise for the buyers and the audience.
In the weeks leading up, I rehearsed my pitch daily, hoping it would become second nature. But when the moment came, it spilled out too fast, I skipped bits, and could see the concern on the buyers’ faces, which sent me into a bit of a panic. Thankfully, Nick Knowles stepped in and really helped convey my passion.
I knew how important that opportunity could be. I was still living at home and not making a steady living from art. It felt like everything was riding on that moment. And it truly was a breakthrough. That show gave me the platform to go full-time as an artist, move out, and really commit to my creative journey. I’ll always be grateful to the BBC for that chance.
Just go for it! It’s natural to feel scared when stepping into the unknown but focusing on the excitement rather than the fear can really help. If you’re trying a new medium, treat it like creative play, set aside time just to experiment without pressure. It keeps your creativity sharp and might even lead to unexpected breakthroughs.
When it comes to public exposure, embrace it as a chance to learn how your work connects with people. For example, when the BBC show aired, I paid close attention to which pieces resonated with viewers and that insight has shaped how I approach my practice.
I also lean on friends and family for advice, but I’ve learned to filter that input carefully. They mean well, but only you truly understand your work, your vision, and your industry. Trust yourself cherry-pick what’s useful and keep moving forward.
Many artists hit a wall when stepping into new territory—whether it’s a new medium, public exposure, or client work. What advice would you give to artists facing that leap?
You mentioned that the show pushed you and your art to new boundaries. How did that experience influence your creative direction, and how do you decide when it’s time to evolve your style or technique?
It really gave me the confidence to trust my instincts. The concept I presented on the show was something I’d been mulling over for ages. Seeing it come to life and resonate with people reassured me that my ideas had value.
I feel like my style evolves naturally. That might sound like a cliché, but I think we all absorb inspiration from the world around us often without even realising it. The more art you expose yourself to, the more ideas start brewing beneath the surface.
That said, when I find myself obsessing over a particular style or approach, I take it as a signal to explore it further. Following that curiosity often leads to growth.
I make time for experimentation, regularly scheduling it in, like any other part of my week. When I enter those sessions, I try to let go of expectations and just see what unfolds.
At the same time, I feel my work is developing a consistent voice. I’m happy with the direction it’s heading in. I’ve landed on a style and form I really enjoy, and I’m excited about the possibility of applying it across other mediums down the line.
The Wall Sculpture you created combined two very different style from your past work. How do you balance experimentation with consistency in your practice?
Sales and visibility can be challenging for Artists. How did you begin to grow your audience, and what’s helped you stay visible and in demand after the show aired?
The show gave me what I like to call “the snowball”: a starting group of eyes on my work. From there, it was up to me to keep that momentum going.
In the years since, I’ve taken part in sculpture trails and events, and I’m always on the lookout for creative collaborations whether it’s with charities or public events like racecourses. Public works have been especially effective for visibility. My full-scale horses have opened a lot of doors getting me press, event invites, and even free stands. Once a piece is out in the world, it acts as its own form of marketing, so I always make sure my name is clearly visible on it.
I’ve also worked with SEO professionals to improve my online presence, which has helped more people discover my work. But ultimately, it’s the public-facing sculptures that have been the most impactful in building and maintaining interest.
It’s been incredibly helpful. I’ve always had loads of ideas about where I want to go and what I want to achieve, but sometimes I get stuck figuring out the “how.” That’s where the confusion sets in.
Working with Karen has helped untangle that. She’s great at helping me take those big, ambitious visions and break them down into achievable steps. It’s been a real boost having someone who understands both the creative and practical sides of the journey.
You’re currently doing mentorship with Karen van Hoey Smith—how has having someone to bounce ideas off or consolidate thoughts helped you through those career turning points?
Finally, what does a ‘breakthrough’ mean to you now? Do you still chase them, or do you see your career in a more continuous flow?
If you’d asked me eight years ago, I’d have said a breakthrough was a single, life-changing moment something that would launch your career and eliminate all the obstacles. But now I see it differently.
I think breakthroughs come in stages of milestones rather than finish lines. The BBC show was a huge one for me, allowing me to go full-time as an artist. Then came public art commissions. Next, it might be gallery representation or cracking the US art world.
Thinking of breakthroughs this way takes the pressure off. It allows me to stay focused and enjoy the journey, knowing that success comes from consistent effort and passion. Struggles are part of the process but so are those amazing, affirming moments that keep you moving forward.
See more of Ollie’s work: www.ollieholman.com
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