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Throughout 2015 Steven Holland was Artist-in-Resident at the Research School of Biology under the ANU Vice Chancellors College Artists Fellowship Scheme.

The Australian Society of Herpetologists presidential crown that he created during the residency followed a doctoral research into bronze and snakes that was completed at the ANU School of Art.

Bridging the fields of sculpture and biology, this study set out to discover if the material of bronze and the processes of bronze lost wax casting could somehow reveal the actual life of elapid snakes of the Canberra region. It resulted in a series of sculptures which affirm the life of venomous snakes and create a greater acceptance of their existence.

Steven’s art explores interrelationships between humans and the natural world with a particular focus on animals. Grounded in the discipline of sculpture, his work embraces a multiple media approach including drawing, installation, assemblage and performance. He was born in Western Australia in 1960 and studied at Curtin University, Perth, the ANU School of Art and the Royal College of Art, London. His work is held in international, national and state gallery collections including the National Gallery of Australia, the Australian War Memorial and the Royal College of Art.

Come and hear Steven speak about some of the art projects that lead to his PhD research into bronze and snakes, the outcome of this study and the making of the ASH crown while he was Artist-in-Residence in Biology last year.   

All welcome.

This seminar is part of the RSB Director's Seminar Series