Threads… they tie us, connect us, bind us together in a web of creation, like strands in a tapestry. I've come to realize how certain threads have consistently woven through my work, shaping its evolution and connecting seemingly disparate pieces into a cohesive whole.
For instance, my early work often reflected my own experiences and observations. Over time, this thread expanded to include broader societal issues, such as environmental sustainability or cultural diversity and identity. Each piece I create becomes a thread in this larger tapestry, contributing to a dialogue that is bigger than the individual works.
Falling Stars, Oil on Quadrafoil panel. Holli Harmon
Part of the Four Nations, One Spirit :100 Years of Fiesta Solo Show Sullivan Goss August 2024
“I am leaning into the Four Nations theme from the 100 year Anniversary Fiesta poster. I have created a small body of work that explores the four nations and cultures that have formed our California identity.
FOUR NATIONS, ONE SPIRIT: 100 YEARS OF FIESTA
These paintings will be a shown at Sullivan Goss from July 26th- August 26, 2024 beside the “Four Nations, One Spirit” painting that is in the 100 year Fiesta anniversary poster.”
Ultimately, these threads—subjects, styles, and materials—serve not only to bind my work together but also to connect it with a broader audience. Each thread represents a narrative, inviting viewers to personally unravel the layers of meaning and interpretation within each piece.
The threads are not just elements of construction but reflect our interconnectedness. They remind me that our individual stories, like threads in a tapestry, are woven together to create something greater than the sum of its parts—a fabric that resonates with emotion, challenges perceptions, and invites meaningful conversation.
What’s happening now?
Gouache Painting Workshop
August Hath 31 Days, Gouache on reproduced 1886 almanac page. Almanac page floated on original cyanotype. Holli Harmon
Fields of Color: Celebrating the Intersection of Art and Agriculture through Gouache Watercolors
Saturday, July 13, 2024, 9:00 AM 2:00 PM
White Buffalo Land Trust 3635 Jalama Road Lompoc, CA, 93436
This immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of the ranch through painting while supporting our mission.
Experience the principles of regenerative land stewardship and capture the vibrant colors and textures of the ranch using gouache watercolor techniques. Bring home a traveling gouache kit to continue painting. Gouache is very similar to watercolor, but is opaque and can be layered.
*ALL MATERIALS AND LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED, including high-quality paints, paper, brushes, and other supplies. Participants are welcome to bring their own materials if they prefer.
**No Experience Necessary: Whether you're an experienced artist or a beginner, this workshop is open to all skill levels. Embrace the opportunity to learn, create, and connect in a supportive and inspiring environment.
“This is the true joy in life…..my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it what I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations. ”
From the human condition to nature’s beauty, and from societal issues to personal introspection, my work has gravitated towards certain themes that resonate deeply with me. These subjects act as guiding lights, influencing the narratives I choose to explore and the messages I aim to convey through my art.
With gratitude,
Holli Harmon
