Near the entrances to the gallery and library sits the Stephen Holland exhibit. Immediately recognizable is the large oil on canvas, presented as a diptych. Displayed in two parts of equal size, this method of presentation was traditionally created to use as small portable altars.
This original work of art depicts the exact moment than Wayne Gretzky's career topped Gordie Howe's lifetime scoring mark. One might notice that the puck does not appear in the painting. This is because not even slow motion cameras could record its entry into the goal. Here we see just one of the reasons hockey lovers call Gretzky "The Great One."
"1851 Record Breaking Goal-Gretzky"
1993
 "Boxing" |
Located on the right wall is Holland's exemplary collection of woodblock prints.
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Woodblock Printing: Representing one of the earliest printmaking methods, this process requires the artist to cut pieces of wood away from the surface. This process of cutting away leaves an image or upraised design in "relief." The raised surface is inked and pressed onto the paper. When the ink transfers it leaves an impression that is a mirrored image of the design. Look at the way Holland uses the precision of the "cutting away" to express emotion in these prints. |
 "Celebration" |
Entering the gallery on the left wall, there are a series of lithographs that represent his work as the "Official Artist" of the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League.
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Lithography: Lithography is a printing process in which a design is sketched with an oily crayon on a porous stone surface. The idea behind the technique is that water and oil don't mix. When the stone surface is dampened and inked, the lithograph is run through the press. The ink sticks to the crayon and is then printed onto paper. A lithograph looks more like a drawing, with loose grainy line, than a woodcut which has sharp incisions. |
View a slide show of Holland's artwork 
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Stephen Holland: Growing up with physical challenges that kept in him braces, Stephen Holland was unable to play sports as a child. His passion for sport, however, was made apparent as he sat and sketched his friend's play. Holland's artistic talent blossomed while attending a special high school where he devoted half the day to art studies. Following high school, he attended the Art Students League, The School of Visual Arts and Pratt Institute all of New York City. Holland's career is marked with hundreds of sport painting commissions as well as his numerous endeavors with lithographs, serigraphs and woodblock prints. He is best known for his portrait of Mohammed Ali, which was commissioned for the Silver Anniversary of the Victor Awards. Holland serves as the "Official Artist" of the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League. Learn more about Holland |
