Holtquist is an Ikebana master. When working overseas, Holtquist was introduced to Ikebana, the ancient Japanese art of flower composition.

“Of all the new cultural experiences that I gained during my stay in Tokyo, I was most fascinated to learn that the rank of a samurai warrior was determined in part by his ability to make a beautiful flower arrangement before a battle.”

Greatly influenced by this philosophical tradition combining beauty and force, Holtquist incorporates the principles of Ikebana in his figurative sculptures of marble, bronze, and wood. This oriental basis of his art understanding creates a unique tension of line, equilibrium, and movement that set his sculptures apart and define his artistic style.

Born in Minnesota, Holtquist lives and works between New York City and Pietrasanta (Lucca). His works are in foundations in the United States; private collections in Europe, Japan, the United States, and Canada; and, in an Italian museum.

Artist Statement

Il passaggio, the way, the path of one’s life is of particular interest to me.

Not knowing what’s ahead we go along willingly or stubbornly

Sometimes one’s pushed along by unseen but strong forces

We may go boldly forth confident and sure in our actions

With another hand in hand or by ourselves

Perhaps we hesitate, we doubt, we procrastinate

We may follow an open road while the other direction is filled with traffic

With grace we may have a light guiding our steps

With periods of no apparent direction we arrive at our destination

May it be the one we’ve longed for.