Olivia Eshe Holt (b. 1998) is a visual artist and designer from Detroit, Michigan. Her artistry spans from traditional handcrafting to experimental techniques in ceramics, art furniture, and mixed media sculpture. She earned her BFA in Product Design with a minor in Craft & Material Studies from the College for Creative Studies.
glazed stoneware. 2025
During the Appalachian Forest Stewardship Residency, I took on the mission of preserving nature trails and farmlands while learning about the hidden histories of the Midwest. Ohio's landscape played a key role in the operation and effectiveness of the Underground Railroad's safe houses and secret travel routes. There are records of free Black communities, white abolitionists, and Native American settlements along the Ohio River that aided freedom seekers prior to the Emancipation Proclamation.
Star Seeds commemorates this geography of historical resistance, memorializing foraged finds from my time spent hiking Ohio's Appalachian Front. This installation places interpretations of seeds as symbols of resilience and possibility in a guiding constellation of iron-like stars and charms referencing the usage of celestial navigation within the Underground Railroad.
Dairy Barn Art Center Exhibition Statement
Residential design concepts that highlight the area’s potential to help attract local partners, creative investment, and long-term community engagement.
My impact: concept development, 3D visualization and renders
Earthern Cement Scuplture. 2025
Vessels built by my human hand, made of material from the earth, placed in the ecosystem of Eliza Howell Park. A quiet companions to the land serving as conduits for reconnection to nature and ourselves.
Speckled buff clay. black underglaze slip, pearl and livid lake glaze. 2024
My sweet blue Marina
She reflects the light and shadow.
Lexus USA. 2023
This booths modular architecture utilizes a simple structure providing an open space for programming with easy deployment. It features interchangeable walls and rails for custom display.
Highlighting the next chapter of Lexus through display of campaign graphics, programmed activations and an engaging environmental application.
My impact: modular structure design, vehicle layout, 3D visualization and renders
Better Block. 2023
FD23: Market Stall Design Challenge
3rd place Awardee: Team 8 (T8) - David Cayll, Xelaya Mendoza, Santiago Romero, and Olivia Holt
Small business vendors play an irreplaceable role in our built environment. They create jobs and generate revenue while contributing to the overall vitality of strong cities. Communal markets have started gaining popularity and support due to their unique vendors with specialized goods. It's more important than ever that we nurture these spaces where one can immerse themselves in art and meet people from all walks of life.
zelkova wood cut, sanded, and planed with acrylic mirror. 2021.
Reflections as Reminders explores the wisdom of trees. Our lives are marked by rings and reflections of past and future. Tree rings reveal a cycle of growth offering lessons of adaptability guiding us to remain resilient.
This work was exhibition at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History as part of the D.Tree Studio: The Past, Present, and Future of Detroit Trees Exhibition,
dtree studio