Holly Coulis — Artist Edition
Holly Coulis, Blue Vase and Leaves (detail), 2026
oil on linen, 50 x 60 inches, 127.00 x 152.40 cm
Courtesy the artist and Klaus von Nichtssagend Gallery, NY
A sculptural tote inspired by the intricate construction of traditional Japanese samurai armor. Individually cut leather plates are assembled using odoshi, a centuries-old Japanese lacing technique, creating a distinctive architectural silhouette.
Crafted in Japan from Tuscan vegetable-tanned leather and custom-made Japanese cord.
Made in Japan.
Dimensions: L 34 x H 24 x D 17cm (13.4" x 9.4" x 6.7")
Weight: 1.37kg (3 lbs.)
For Shipping to The United States, please contact us.
A structured handbag inspired by the intricate construction of traditional Japanese samurai armor. Individually cut leather plates are assembled using odoshi, a centuries-old Japanese lacing technique, creating a sculptural form with a distinctive layered silhouette.
Crafted in Japan from Tuscan vegetable-tanned leather and custom-made Japanese cord.
Made in Japan.
Dimensions: L 30 x H 20 x D 11cm (11.8" x 7.9" x 4.3")
Weight: 0.97kg (2.1 lbs.)
For Shipping to The United States, please contact us.
A compact cylindrical handbag with a distinctive woven structure inspired by traditional Japanese armor. Individual leather plates are joined using odoshi, the Japanese art of armor lacing, creating a sculptural form with a gently structured silhouette.
Crafted in Japan from Tuscan vegetable-tanned leather and custom-made Japanese cord.
Made in Japan.
Dimensions: L 20 x H 20 x D 16cm (7.9" x 7.9" x 6.3")
Weight: 0.77kg (1.7 lbs.)
A slender, vertically structured bag designed for carrying everyday essentials. Inspired by the construction of Japanese samurai armor, individual leather plates are joined using traditional odoshi lacing, creating a refined, architectural silhouette.
Crafted in Japan from Tuscan vegetable-tanned leather and custom-made Japanese cord.
Made in Japan.
Dimensions: L 14 x H 20 x D 6cm (5.5" x 7.9" x 2.4")
Weight: 0.36kg (0.8 lbs.)
In Conversation with
Holly Coulis
An interview with artist Holly Coulis on painting, color, everyday rituals, and her collaboration with HATORI.
You studied sculpture and installation before becoming a painter. What made you fall in love with painting?
Painting seemed like magic to me, while sculpture was understandable—or at least the kind I was making felt that way at the time. Painting is alchemy... and I felt drawn to figure it out a little.
Color is such an important part of your work. How do you know when a color combination feels right?
It's almost like there is a singing that happens. Maybe visual vibration is a better way to say that. But the energy changes.
Your paintings often begin with familiar, everyday objects. What makes an ordinary object interesting enough for you to paint?
There are so many everyday objects... it's a great question. Having a beautifully simple shape or a shape that is open—not too complex—is desirable. They should be able to hold color and exist as delineations without too much distraction.
Your paintings feel both carefully constructed and playful. How do you balance planning and intuition when you work?
There is a specific balance that I strive for. The geometry has to contain a slight level of awkwardness, disruption, or movement. Maybe it's a fear of the perfect, although I love this in other people's work.
Is there a painting, artist, book, or place that you keep returning to for inspiration?
There is a book on the artist Nicholas Hondrogen by Victoria Combalía Dexeus that is charming. It is funny and serious and involves a cat.
What does your studio life look like on an ordinary day?
The studio almost always contains my three cats. They have several places to sleep and they like to be around. I start off with some sketches just to warm up my brain, unless I am working on an exhibition, in which case I dive into painting.
Are there any small rituals that are part of your daily practice?
Walks are great. At least two a day, sometimes five. They clear your head and you get a little fresh air and sunshine. Otherwise it's easy to be a hermit.
Outside of painting, what does a typical day look like for you?
There is a small group of feral cats I feed in the morning and at night, I make dinner. The days are pretty uneventful and quiet.
Do you have any favorite music, podcasts, films, books, or other things you enjoy listening to or watching?
Podcasts with ghost stories or anything mysterious are really fun in the studio. Lighthearted but engaging.
You have taught and worked within art education. What do you think young artists need most as they begin to find their own voice?
Encouragement. It can be frightening to embrace your own voice or vision. It might not be 100% right at first, but you should keep going.
Are there any causes, communities, animals, or forms of volunteering that are important to you?
Animals are important. One of my heroes is Naoto Matsumura. He has been referred to as "the guardian of Fukushima's animals." There are many people in the world who care for animals. They all have my admiration.
When you use a HATORI bag, what do you like to carry with you? What are the things you usually keep in your bag?
HATORI bags are beautiful! It is lovely and uplifting to carry one. It always contains a sketchbook and a pen!
Follow Holly Coulis on Instagram and her galleries:
Klaus von Nichtssagend Gallery, NY
Phillip Martin Gallery, Los Angeles
