Toland Sand - Biography

A pioneer in the use of dichroic glass and polished crystal, Toland’s approach
to his glass sculptures is one of exploration and innovation while always looking
for form, energy, and classical lines. His perspective is one of trying to reveal
an interior complexity while not forgetting simplicity and elegance of form.
The flow of attention is from outer form to inner mystery and back out again. It
is like architecture for consciousness, which becomes the fulcrum of the piece’s
existence. It becomes a reflection of the viewer.

Influences and sources of inspiration can be found in ancient and contemporary
architecture and sculpture. Toland spent five years in Greece, attending high
school in Athens and traveling as much as possible. Stone formations were everywhere, in both natural and manmade forms. An ancient marble quarry was
just down the street from his home. Laborers chiseling marble for municipal
projects were a common sight. Seeing ancient sites with remnants of temples
were simply part of everyday life. The Temple at Sounion, the Parthenon, the
Agora were monuments to the golden age of Athens.

Toland was born in Berkeley, California in 1949 and has fond memories and
impressions of the beauty of that state as only a little child can experience.
Though he left in 1954 when his father joined the CIA, the influence of Carmel
and the Big Sur coastline was hard to forget and he always felt at home when
the family returned every couple of years to Carmel Valley. He graduated from
Colorado College in 1971 with a degree in Philosophy.

Toland’s New Hampshire studio and home are on four wooded acres. He lives
there with his wife, Debbe Palmer. Their combined five kids are scattered
around the country. He also maintains a studio in Carmel Valley, CA where he
retreats for a few months every year.

Professionally, Toland has been working full time in glass since 1977, starting
first with stained glass and moving to glass blowing and then to constructed
glass sculpture, which he’s been doing since 1985. Self-taught, as are most
glass artists his age, he has constantly sought to expand his artistic and technical
vistas. Innovation is always apparent in his work. He continues to have one
man shows and has won a variety of awards including the “Art in Public Spaces
Award”. He’s participated in the Venice Bienale and been nominated for the
1999 Living Treasure Governor’s Award for New Hampshire. Toland has completed
many commissions, mostly notably for the CEO’s of MacDonalds USA &Japan, and for IBM, Verizon, Coca Cola, Carpet Master,UPS, and two pieces to
commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Aga Khan. He is in glass and art
collections worldwide.