Tip Toland

Tip Toland

Empathy in Clay

Empathy in Clay

Tip Toland is a dynamic and courageous sculptor, both in the scale of her work and her choice of subjects. Her hyper-realistic ceramic sculptures are emotionally charged works which depict beauty, humanity, and vulnerability through an intentionally diverse collection of non-conventionally ‘beautiful’ characters. 

As a teacher, she has inspired and mentored many figurative sculptors across the country. She is humble, selfless, and generous of spirit. Through the science of observation and knowledge of anatomy, she trains students to hone their observational skills. And by sharing her experience in building large-scale work, she has moved the ceramic field forward.

As a ceramic artist, she is recognized for her mastery of the medium. She has attained international renown and received numerous awards. Her work is in many major collections across the country, including the Renwick Gallery at the Smithsonian. A personal milestone was attained in 2018 when her work was included in, Like Life: Sculpture, Color and the Body (1300-Now), an exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met Breuer) presenting about 120 mostly realistic figurative sculptures by artists who “sought to replicate the literal, living presence of the human body.”

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Exhibition Credit

Tip Toland: Empathy in Clay is organized by Bellevue Arts Museum in partnership with Northwest Designer Craftsmen and curated by Lane Eagles. Media sponsor: KCTS 9. In-kind support from Seattle SignShop.

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