All of my projects flow together. Some bodies of work will never end and others can begin in the middle of something else. We are at the 5 year anniversary of The River’s Journey project. The story of the Santa Ynez River has come full circle, from a historical drought to a historical rain fall. Our Lake Cachuma is full and our spring is lush. And now we wait… will rain return next year?

Currently, there is a small anniversary exhibition at the Wildling Museum in Solvang

where we launched the project in 2018.

This exploration of the Santa Ynez river and Santa Barbara’s watershed kindled my fascination with clouds. I have explored our water cycle from it’s highest point in the atmosphere to my current artist residency at the White Bufflalo Land Trust at Jalama Canyon Ranch. On the ranch I am learning about watersheds, regenerative farming practices, roots and soil. Of course, water remains essential in all conversations regarding agriculture. This will fuel my work for an upcoming show at Sullivan Goss, Santa Barbara in August and September, 2023.

Gouache study with silver spoons. Holli Harmon

Hind sight always reveals connections and it is fun for me to see the trajectory of my work. I can see how time and current events shape how I respond to my creative drive. Drought propelled the River’s Journey project, clouds became tangible objects and hung from the ceiling in Santa Barbara City Hall, and the pandemic inspired an installation of kokedama balls and clouds. Of course it is easier to share this creative journey with images rather than words! Here are a few images… and not in chronological order!

Follow along and see what is coming next this summer at

Sullivan Goss, An American Gallery, Santa Barbara, CA.

I am so excited about what I am learning at White Buffalo Land Trust's Center for Regenerative Agriculture at Jalama Canyon Ranch during my artist residency. Be sure to visit their website and learn more. I will share bite size bits of information, as I have new experiences.

Cattle Round Up, Jalama Canyon Ranch Sketch Book, gouache by Holli Harmon

Recently, I learned about revitalizing our pasture land with responsible grazing methods. I saw Jalama Canyon ranch in action during a cattle round up with one of the White Buffalo partners, Richards Grassfed Beef. The cows were brought to graze the pastures over winter for just enough time to eat the tops of the grasses, leave a little fertilizer, and then move on. With a watchful eye and management, the cows become partners in regenerating the soil to hold more water and carbon. This method heals the pastures and riparian zones from over grazing. It’s actually thrilling to see a regenerative circle that includes land, animals, and humans that heals our planet.

“It’s not the cow, it’s the HOW...”

— Bobby Gill - Savory Institute

Regenerative farming is one of the best ways we can heal the earth and slow global warming. This concept gives me a lot of hope. Two short documentaries that are both beautiful and educational are Kiss the Ground on Netflix and Biggest Little Farm on Amazon Prime.

I hope you enjoy the journey and follow along. And share the message with your friends and family. We all can be part of the solution!

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