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.

Seasonally, winter has a fuzzy beginning and end in California. Our recent cataclysmic storms certainly proclaimed winter was here. While I am enjoying our bright sunny days, I do hope for more rain…(just well spaced gentle rainy days please!) before we proclaim Spring is here!

Like California winter, my artwork and inspirations have fuzzy endings and beginnings that weave together. One idea morphs into the next. Right now I am in full production on the 89 Cloud piece and starting a series of mulit media paintings built on a 1866 Farmer’s Almanac. These two projects focus on water, food, and farming in California. My time at the White Buffalo Land Trust has expanded my understanding of regenerative farming principles and how that can change the world and combat our climate crisis.

Just One Drop

An inspirational beginning of my cloud fascination is marked by the 5 year anniversary of the River’s Journey project. This project was an immersion into our water source in Santa Barbara and gave birth to my fascination with clouds.

Just One Drop, 5x7” Gouache

Bloomin Senorita

The river morphed into female figures where my Califia series sprouted.

Bloomin’ Senorita, 30x30” Oil and Cold wax on canvas

The Nature of Clouds

Clouds became tangible and an installation called, The Nature of Clouds, was built. Trees and plants were suspended in air while crystal rain hung silently , fixed in space. This was a great way to be engaged with the Wildling Museum of Art and Nature during Covid.

89 Clouds

And now I am back to clouds. Cloud scapes are on assorted serving platters, plates and cutlery…vehicles that carry our food to our tables and mouths. Here, water and food source concepts unite while I am learning about regenerative farming practices at the White Buffalo Land Trust. Click here to learn more.

Stay tuned, I am busy at work preparing for a new show that will debut this summer! I will keep you posted.

Warm wishes for the coming season,

Holli