Brian Holderman: Art Rising From The Ashes

Brian Holderman, whose art was created in the wake of 2018’s Camp Fire, returns to Gualala Arts Center in October with new works along with some from his earlier show. While significant in its own right, Holderman’s art is a perfect complement to the other exhibit at the Arts Center, “My Valuables-What Really Matters”. Both exhibits opened October 2 and will continue through November 6, 2020.

Brian Holderman moved to The Sea Ranch after losing everything in The Camp Fire that devastated the city of Paradise, California in 2018. After his move, painting became a creative outlet for the trauma he experienced. The paintings allowed him to release the pain he was holding. According to Holderman, “The Camp Fire Series are paintings about what happened to me on that day but ending with hope that things will rejuvenate and come back. Even though it was a very devastating time in my life and there was a lot of destruction that happened, I can take that pain and do something creative and positive instead of turning my efforts into something that won’t help me to grow from the experience. I can’t change what happened, but I can make a decision about how I’ll react to it.”

This past year Brian has been able to take the time to heal and focus on his paintings. He uses salt in his acrylic paints to create pattern and texture. Many of his paintings have several layers of salt. Holderman added, “I have always been drawn to texture. I love the feel of bark on a tree, or old paint chipping off different surfaces. My intent is to draw the observer closer to my paintings, however
when the observer stands back there are hidden figures. I like to hear what people see when they look at my paintings.”

In this show visitors will see most of The Camp Fire Series (a few paintings have already been sold) along with video he shot during his experience on that day.

He also brings his newest series of Chinese Symbols. There is his political statement for BLM, titled “The Cost of Unity” and many others. Brian’s art will be featured at Gualala Arts Center in the Elaine Jacob Foyer. Gualala Arts is at 46501 Old State Highway, Gualala, California, 95445.