Today we’d like to introduce you to Lucy Holland.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’ve been a practicing artist ever since my grandmother (also an artist) taught me how to paint. Art has always been an important part of my life—as a painter, an art historian, and a designer. I’ve been into experimenting, even from a young age. When I was in fifth grade, I created a painting of the different seasons in art class, and chose to represent summer abstractly using washes of neon colors with flecks of black. Washington, D.C. (where I grew up) summers were so hot that I felt that was the best way to evoke the feeling of experiencing the heat (the art teacher didn’t understand the concept and I received a poor grade). My formal training began at the University of Virginia, where I received a BA in painting and art history, and a Master’s at San Diego State University in art history. I have studied art in Florence, Paris, and Madrid, where I interned for the Prado Museum in 2008. For years I was a graphic designer and taught college and university art courses. Currently I’m an art educator at The San Diego Museum of Art, where I proudly work to inspire others through art.
Please tell us about your art.
I love experimenting with different media, techniques, and concepts. I see magic in the little things, by exploring the world and ideas through color and form. I am especially interested in the natural world and landscapes, and the night sky, which I find to be a beautiful and mysterious setting. When I moved to San Diego in 2008, I became inspired by the sweeping seascapes, and began to paint representations of the ocean. The ocean brings me a sense of joy, peace, adventure, and so much more. The colors and textures of the different seasons also show up in my scarves (hand painted silk, sold at The San Diego Museum of Art store). With these creations, I aim to capture the beauty of nature and its ephemeral quality. Lately, I have been inspired by the centuries-old technique of Indian miniature painting. As I was writing a book on the art of India for children at the Museum (“Peacocks and Palaces: Exploring the Art of India” expected in May), I became fascinated by the exquisite details in these amazing works of art. I’ve been painting with gouache on paper using traditional colors and themes in imaginative new ways ever since.
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
Life as an artist can be tough… but it’s worth it! We need to continue to support the arts in our community—visit museums and galleries, and buy gifts locally whenever possible.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My scarves are sold at The San Diego Museum of Art Store. “Peacocks and Palaces: Exploring the Art of India” will be available for sale in May, also through the San Diego Museum of Art Store. I give artmaking workshops through the Museum. I have a personal web site at www.nightskyart.com, and am on Facebook at facebook.com/LucyHollandArt/
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nightskyart.com
- Email: lucy@nightskyart.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LucyHollandArt/
Image Credit:
All images by Lucy Holland
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