Artist Spotlight Series: Holly Graham

June 18, 2018

Artist Spotlight Series: Holly Graham

Art is the item that completes a design project. I am constantly searching for new artist to fit into my interior projects.

This artist is not new to me. She is a talented local artist that I have loved for years for her amazing car pieces but now she is doing amazing collage and abstract work that you must see.

Enjoy getting to know

Holly Graham

Charlotte, North Carolina

What is your training?

I have wanted to be an artist my whole life, and I am lucky enough to have parents who recognized that and encouraged me. When I was little, I could always be found with a sketch pad and crayons or colored pencils. I studied art throughout high school and college, graduating from Wake Forest University with Honors in Studio Art.

I then went on to work at the National Gallery of Art and the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. Even though I wasn’t making art at the time, I consider it an important part of my art education. I went to every lecture and exhibition tour that I could, and I often spent my lunch breaks wandering the galleries.

What inspires you and your designs?

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. The work of Joan Mitchell, Willem DeKooning, Louise Nevelson, Helen Frankenthaler, Picasso and Matisse provides endless inspiration.

What is your favorite piece?

I don’t think I could possibly pick one piece, but the work from my latest collage series is at the top of my list right now. It is a continuation of a theme I explored my senior year in college about the relationship between music and visual art. Each piece uses torn painted papers to create highly textured, color-centric compositions that have firm roots in music as it relates to specific memories.

Seaside Composition

Campsite Composition

How has the your area influenced your work?

Living in Charlotte again after being away for 15 years has been amazing. There is so much to see and do, yet it has a slower pace than larger cities. I am more relaxed here than I was living in Washington, DC or Atlanta, which is always a good thing when being creative. I also think it is an exciting time to be an artist in the Southeast with so many opportunities within our community to collaborate with local businesses and support one another. I have met some wonderfully creative people through local collaborations in the past year and it has definitely influenced the direction of my work.

What is your favorite restaurant in Charlotte?

Barrington’s has been a favorite for years. The intimate setting and the incredible food are hard to beat for a special occasion.

We also love Kindred in Davidson for a fun date night.

What is your favorite cocktail?

I like something refreshing with a little spice, like a Moscow Mule or a Jalapeno Margarita.

How do you balance personal life and work?

That is incredibly hard, but also really important. As an artist, I am always looking for inspiration. But I try to be present for my family and leave emails and painting for business hours. I am not always successful at doing it, but I try! I also find that if I fully step away from work for a bit, I end up being more productive when I return to it.

Dream trip?

I have always wanted to go an African Safari. There is something so majestic about the wildlife and the landscape.

Dream commission?

Anything for Melanie Turner, Mark D. Sikes, Lindsay Coral Harper, or Charlotte Lucas.

I would also love to work on a huge piece for a public space one day.

Your favorite host / hostess gift to give?

Candles from Toccare Day Spa in Charlotte, or a bottle of bubbly. I also love the gift boxes from local business Bonnie & Bud. Whitney has an incredible eye for details.

Who is your style icon?

Gwyneth Paltrow

and Michelle Williams are two of my favorites. They have a way of making fashion look uncomplicated and fresh.

Your favorite up and coming artist?

They are hardly up and coming, but I always love the work of Brian Coleman, Susan McAllister, Catherine Booker Jones, Paul Yanko, Stephen Wilson, and Karen Smidth.

These artists are so different in terms of style, but they all have a very distinct point of view and I love that.

What is your most treasured possession?

My engagement ring, and notes that I’ve saved over the years from my husband and my children.

What are you reading?

“Swing Time” by Zadie Smith,

and I’m looking forward to reading “Mrs.” by Caitlin Macy at the beach this summer.

What are you listening to?

These albums are on rotation in the studio lately:

Brandi Carlisle “By the Way, I Forgive You”

The Avett Brothers “True Sadness”

Leon Bridges “Good Thing”

What are your favorite blogs / publications?

Blogs:

100 Days of Real Food

Publications:

Be sure to follow Holly Graham Fine Art and Instagram.

Do not miss this amazing car series…

“Originally begun as an illustration project for my son’s room, these paintings have developed into much more. These vintage vehicles have captured my heart with their candy colors and unique forms. Please contact me for inquiries or commissions at holly@hollygrahamfineart.com”