Doctor Bronwen Holding is saying “goodbye” for now to her 25 year medical career so she can have time to smell and discover many Australian flowers that she studies and then recreates with ceramics.
The Quinns Rock resident turned artist has turned a hobby used to unwind, into a successful and growing full time business.
“Fourteen years ago I attended an adult pottery class as a means to destress from the high pressures that’s associated with being in the medical field,” explained Bronwen.
“I continued with art as a hobby, making flower shaped mosaic tiles and then into 3D Australian native flowers which is the focus of my ceramics business – Bron’s Ceramics – that I started as a creative outlet in 2012.”
Every part of Bronwen’s ceramic flowers are hand formed from earthenware clay. Every petal and leaf is individually formed, kiln fired twice and hand painted with glaze.
For the last eight years, these lifelike Australian flora have received positive attention from communities all over the country, and also, as Bronwen proudly shared, within the art world!
“My artwork was a finalist in the Etsy Design Awards in 2016 and I was a winner of the City of Joondalup Sculpture Art Awards in 2017,” said Bronwen.
“Recently I was also asked to be the artist in residence at Penrhos College, which for me, has been a real highlight of becoming a true artist. It was so out of my comfort zone and challenged me professionally and creatively.”
This industry visibility, coupled with a strong social media presence and a unique art offering has propelled Bronwen’s business to full capacity with custom orders, online sales and supplies to multiple Perth shops and galleries, as well as the Sydney War Memorial Gift shop.
“I am so humbled with the positive response to my ceramic flowers. The growth in demand for them made me realise it was time to take a sabbatical from medicine and I am now very excited about all the possibilities that lie ahead for Bron’s Creations, including staff hire, exhibitions and a new website.”
Bronwen commented that her decision to leave medicine for now has many asking, ‘what’s the secret to starting a business?’
“Stop and smell the flowers whenever you can. Slow down the hectic and busy pace, make time to do what you enjoy and offer something different for people to get excited about” said Bronwen.
“My diehard fans love these ceramic flowers, which last a lifetime! They often collect one stem or flower at a time and add to their collections. They also tell me they love being able to give someone their favourite Australian flower, that will never die.”
Bronwen will be adding to her collection of Australian ceramic flowers, available for viewing for the first time at Perth Upmarket on Sunday 29 November.