I am excited to introduce you to another Instagram discovery for this weeks installment of my Artist Spotlight Series.  

This soulful artist’s modern abstract works captured my immediate attention as I they they will for you as well. 

Enjoy getting to know 

Holly Addi

Salt Lake City, Utah

What is your training?

 Since childhood I have had an affinity for all things creative.  I was very into writing, poetry,  theatre, acting, design, costumes, fashion, you name it.  When it came to the artsy side of life I always had an opinion, I think my parents kept wondering just where I had come from. As a child I remember waiting for the Sunday paper to be delivered so I could devour the ‘arts’ section.  I couldn’t wait to see the next art news, play auditions, or exhibit.   I studied psychology because i think it is fascinating.  Psychology is the backbone to the artist’s mind.  What artist do you know that truly isn’t a little bit crazy?  It’s kind of a necessity in this field.   Shortly after I graduated from the University of Utah at the age of 22 I opened a high end floral studio and boutique named ‘Artichokes & Co.’ which focused on the art & composition of arranging florals and gift design,  and painted as well on weekends. Artichokes was a huge success, open for 15 years. I then took my designs national when I started a catalog company and offered these designs to the entire US.   However, the idea of big business and pumping out fast paced concepts as the creative director, but all based around “money”, I felt like my soul was being stolen.  It was at that point I decided to get back to my roots and paint full time. For me, it was a wake up call.    I think it is really important as an artist to nurture your talent and not let anyone turn that light off.  Art takes digging deep.  I see so many talented individuals who are bought and sold, and don’t let their talents truly emerge.  

What inspires you and your designs?

 I have always painted, and I’m captivated by good design and love working with color.  I began painting when I was in high school.  In my twenties I started painting more but it wasn’t until my late twenties that I sold my first piece.

 My works are based on life’s imperfections and how it all relates back to beauty.  Truly, life is so imperfect but there is that magical wonder how it all comes together.  The good, the bad, the evil, the weeds, the flowers, all of it.    My art style is ‘composition of imperfectionism’ and how to embrace the wonder, rather than question it.  And at the end, you look at it, and see beauty through it all.

What is your favorite piece? 

I can’t say that I actually have a favorite piece.  I think that each piece I like for different reasons.  It’s kinda like your kids or your dogs 🙂   –  you love one so much for certain reasons, but it’s not like you could choose one!  Also, being an artist is so much about where you are inside.  One day I might be totally into loving all white and then the next day something sparks me and bring on the red and orange!

How has the your area influenced your work?

Salt Lake has so many beautiful places.  From the mountains to the salted sands, lakes, and even urban downtown, I am constantly inspired.  I live in the downtown, where there is diversity just as there is in NYC but the way of life is so much calmer and you can jump in your car and be anywhere you want in less than 30 minutes.

What is your favorite restaurant in SLC?

There is a new restaurant that just opened-  called HSL…

It is fantasitc!  I would have to say I am also a slave to the kitchen, so most of the time you will find me cooking each meal.  When I do actually venture out, I always want it to be a total experience, and with so many restaurants you just don’t get that.  However, this is one place I must say that the palette of the food is so similar to the palette of colors and it is a great experience.

What is your favorite cocktail? 

Classic gin & tonic with BEEHIVE GIN made right here in SLC.  It’s the best.  It has hints of sage, rosemary, juniper and rose petals.  Kinda amazing.  I love it very simply crafted with lime, and a touch of honeycrisp apple juice for the sweetness.

How do you balance personal life and work? 

I don’t!  🙂  I think it is a constant battle as with all women!  I have three daughters I am raising and my studio is in our house.  You will find me painting as I am possibly reciting poems for school that need to be memorized all while our two dogs, Henri & Hugh are constantly in my studio chewing up paint brushes or knocking over paint cans.  It is always a whirlwind with the three teenagers, two dogs, and a house full of canvases, paint, and did I mention my magazines?  I love magazines. Might be that magazine horder from the past when magazine publications were the thing….

Dream trip?  

oh wow.  So many.  Well since we are calling it a dream, I would love to not consider it a ‘trip’ but would love to create the lifestyle of moving to a new place and calling it home for just a year.  Maybe every five years doing this!  What and experience it would make your life to be planning your sebatical five years in advance, and every five years!

Dream commission? 

I would have to say my dream comission would have to be someone who is perhaps an icon of design.  Ralph Lauren?  I can’t imagine being more honored. 

Your favorite host / hostess gift to give? 

Having spent so much of my career in the gift industry, I know a thing or two about gift giving.  A hostess gift should always be something that makes them feel happy and never make them feel as though it causes anymore work.  Something for them!  I love to give a beautiful candle.  Favorite candles as of current are ‘Monokle Collection.’  I like the scents, and sophisticated presence.  Can never go wrong with these.

Who is your style icon?  

Definitely an Inspiration and role model- Linda Rodin.  Elegant, grace, and has her own.  She defines herself, her style, her philosophy.  Thats my model. 

Your favorite up and coming artist?  

little Grace VanderWaal.  She is a 12 year old angel who has the voice of just that- an angel,  and song artist who writes her own music/songs.  She is the definition of how talent comes from somewhere else.

What is your most treasured possession?

Though they are not possessions entirely, my daughters are.  I want to see them all become something even so much greater than I ever was.  That is my goal as a mother, and as a working full time artist.  To pass on more than just works but leading as an example to them.

What are you reading? 

The Prophet by Kahil Gibran.  I read it once a year.  Always helps me reset.  

What are you listening to?

I’ve been captivated by putting playlists together that give me a different experience!  I like to listen to songs that inspire, are different, and captivate something in the soul.   A few of the songs on my recent playlists;   ‘je t’aime means i love you’  by le’equipe du son

 and  ‘When I say I love you’  by saux remix.  

I also throw in a few of those sweet traditional songs with a twist like ‘How deep is your love’ by The Bird and the Bee. 

What are your favorite blogs / publications? 

I love when small people start publications.  I am loving Amanda Jane Jones.

Take a look at Holly’s stunning works and be sure to peruse her beautiful Flipbook. 

Follow Holly on Instagram too. 

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