Holly is a Charlotte-based artist, which I love! Her abstract paintings are inspired by music, emotion, memories and color relationships. She crafts a vision for her work from everyday observations. Additionally, she attributes much of her inspiration to some of her favorite artists — Joan Mitchell, Picasso, Matisse, and Willem De Kooning. Holly has been exploring collage as of late — in her collages, she intuitively creates compositions from painted and torn paper. See more and get my Q&A with Holly below.
5 Questions for Holly Graham
1) What is your favorite kind of work to do at the moment?
I have been having a great time making my torn paper collages recently. They are a great study in color and texture. Painted papers are currently covering my studio floor — it’s an organized chaos! This series is all about creating a visual music based on memories. Each piece creates a rhythm of its own through the interactions of color and space.
2) What kinds of things inspire you?
My work is based on music, emotion, memories and color relationships. I find inspiration everywhere, from spring flowers found on a morning run, to color combinations in fashion and shelter magazines. I also have a collection of art books from my days of museum work, and I love flipping through them.
3) Who else do you admire in the art space?
I think Stephen Wilson is making incredible pieces using embroidery, and I love Karen Smidth’s use of color.The work of Joan Mitchell, Willem DeKooning, Louise Nevelson, Helen Frankenthaler, Picasso and Matisse also provides endless inspiration.
4) Coolest possession?
My husband’s grandfather was Chief of White House Police during the Kennedy years. We recently inherited the gifts they gave out to White House staff in 1962 and 1963. Jackie Kennedy had watercolors made of the rooms she had recently redecorated in the White House and they signed them. I love having this piece of American history in our home.
5) Favorite quote or words to live by?
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” —Picasso
Picasso was right! I take this as a reminder to stay young at heart and see things with fresh eyes. Be open to trying new things. Always choose adventure.
To see more work:
Follow Holly on Instagram, or visit her site for more!
PS — She also sells very cool vintage car and truck prints and gifts on her site!
I hope everyone has a wonderful rest of the week!
xx—BB
Beautiful!