We were lucky to catch up with Holly Graham recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Holly thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

Having held many “regular” jobs in my lifetime, I can honestly say that I have never felt more fulfilled than I do creating art for a living. That doesn’t mean that it’s the easiest job, or the one that is more convenient. It is definitely not either of those, but nothing can replace doing what your are truly meant to do.

I began my career in the arts working for the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, because I honestly didn’t have enough confidence to try to make money with my art. My career took twists and turns along the way, but it always included an element of the arts. I worked in fundraising for the arts, and briefly thought I wanted to go into interior design, but I ultimately landed just where I am supposed to be. Sure, there are plenty of times (even yesterday!) that I have fleeting thoughts of how much easier it would be to have a predictable schedule and paycheck, but I always think about how I felt in the those jobs. Even when I was surrounded by great people and doing meaningful work, it always felt like something was missing in my life. I now know that the missing piece was creating on a daily basis.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I have been an artist my whole life. Since I could hold a crayon, I have been drawing and painting. I even found a book that I made in kindergarten that said I wanted to be an artist when I grew up. My path has always led me in this direction, even if it has gone off course from time to time.

I studied art at Wake Forest University, and then moved to Washington, DC to work for the National Gallery of Art. I later worked for the Corcoran Gallery of Art as well. After working in the arts for about 10 years and having two children, I began to create my own work again. I am now focused on two aspects of my business – three dimensional abstract collages, and a line of illustrations that I sell in stores across the country.

My love of abstract work began in college when I created three dimensional photography pieces for my thesis exhibition. I didn’t explore this type of work again until about six years ago, but it is this point of view as an artist for which I am most known. My three dimensional collages, sometimes called low relief wall sculptures, are a true reflection of who I am as an artist. There is a focus on texture and color, with new techniques for creating visual interest always evolving. Some of my pieces are more subdued with a monochromatic palette, and others have bright and unexpected color combinations. These palettes are a reflection of what catches my eye while I am traveling, or even when I am taking a walk around my neighborhood. The interactions of colors create a visual rhythm in my work, and also why I typically title my works as compositions similar a piece of music.

In contrast, I also have a line of vintage SUV illustrations that began when my son outgrew his nursery. I wanted something he would enjoy for years to come, and we always had fun pointing out vintage cars while out on the road. I painted a few for his room, and then friends and clients started asking me to paint their cars for them. I now sell prints, notecards, notepads, and calendars to shops across the US. It has been a fun journey, and one that unfolded naturally.

It is incredibly rewarding to get to work in these two very different fields. I find that the abstract works and the illustrations use completely different sides of my brain, which I thoroughly enjoy.

Learning about your craft

Learning the process for creating my collages has been a lot of trial and error, and started when I was in college working on my Honors thesis in Studio Art.  With the support of my professors at Wake Forest, I figured out how to make my vision come to life.  It was uncharted territory, but having professionals to bounce ideas off of each step of the way was crucial to figuring it out.  Also knowing that I had their support gave me the confidence to put this new (and very different) work out into the world.

About 15 years later, I had held desk jobs at The National Gallery and the Corcoran Gallery of Art in DC, fundraised for the arts in Chapel Hill, and had two kids.  We moved back to Charlotte to raise our family, and I had a real desire to create again.  I began painting and drawing, but ultimately I craved a continuation of what I started in college.  So I picked up where I left off, and I have not looked back.  I absolutely wish I had trusted my artistic process and continued my path right after college, but I also know that the timing wasn’t right for me then.  I needed to have uninterrupted time to experiment with different media and techniques in order to push my process forward.  In my 20s, I was focused more on learning all I could about Art History through lectures and visiting artists at institutions where I worked.  I was soaking it all in.  I now see that the time I spent learning has made me a better artist today.  I have so many more reference points when creating now.  The knowledge gained, coupled with a drive to create something that is fully unique to my point of view are essential ingredients for my art making process.  I am not creating an iteration of something that I have seen before, and that is something that takes time.  While I wish the process of learning could have been quicker, I don’t regret the time spent not making art.  It makes me that much more grateful when creating it now.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I had reached out to other artists more when I was younger. We are all on different journeys, and I realize now that most people want to help. It is a brave thing to be creative and put your work out there, and there is room for everyone at the table. I love it when other creatives want to bounce ideas off of me, or ask for advice. We are all working toward a similar goal of expressing ourselves, and a world with more creativity in it will always be more interesting!

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I recently read “The Creative Act: A Way of Being,” by Rick Rubin and I would recommend it to anyone working in a creative field. I found myself nodding in agreement as I read it. For those who truly strive to create something unique in this world, it is necessary to allow your brain to wander at times. However, it is also necessary to be a little bit hyper aware of everything around you. Like Rubin, I believe that you can find inspiration anywhere if you are looking closely enough. I have come up with ideas for new work on my travels, but just as often, I have seen something on my daily walk with my dog that inspires me. This book reads like a permission slip to allow yourself to let go and see everything around you with fresh eyes.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hollygrahamfineart.com
• Instagram: @hollygrahamfineart
• Facebook: Holly Graham Fine Art

Image Credits
Please credit studio and headshot images to Amanda Anderson Photography. Images of individual work are by the artist.