Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly Hunter Berry.
Holly Hunter, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I started my journey as an artist with my first box of crayons and never looked back! My introduction to painting came when I was 10yrs old in a class with an incredible oil painter. I spent hours painting and drawing as a child and my art supplies were my treasures! Early work experience included odd jobs, a few years in property management and then interior design while continuing to paint in the evenings. Between studies with amazing mentors and formal academics my style emerged. I have been exhibiting in galleries here in Houston and in Scottsdale, AZ starting in the 1980’s.
Like many, I have experienced a few “upsets” in my life and as a result have had to slow down my painting schedule at times but I have never stopped being involved in the arts either as an observer, painter or even instructor. I have been an instructor for almost 15-yrs in addition to a heavy painting schedule. I am blessed to have a way to give back by teaching and I love watching my students grow and develop their own voice. I am grateful for every one of my students as they also inspire me and I feel they have made me a better painter. I am passionate about what I do and can hardly believe that I can call this work. I hope to continue until my last day!
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My work has been described many ways over the years but I prefer “contemporary” since I find labels to be limiting. I prefer combining methods and tools from different periods to tell my story. I create to express beauty, light, hope and peace. I find that if my surroundings are chaotic I need to focus on other parts of my business such as sketches and notes until I can paint with the right attitude.
My emotions easily influence the subject, colors and brushwork of my paintings and so to remain true to my intention I honor my best creative time. Color is my favorite element and I love to exaggerate my subject’s color boldly either by direct painting application or layers of intense transparent paint. There have been many subjects over the years that I have enjoyed bringing to life. At this time, I prefer to paint nature, either as landscapes or as characters in an interior. I paint my subjects with multiple layers of acrylic paint and various textures as I feel strongly that life is but a journey rich with adventures and each layer represents miles of living. I try to leave a bit of mystery with different images revealing only a hint of their existence.
Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
I feel it is an exciting time to be an artist. The internet has been a huge help to be able to promote your work but at the same time it has been difficult for galleries. Artists must operate as a business and at times it is a struggle to juggle all the duties from sales, marketing, bookkeeping oh and yes…creating! We have to learn all these things to keep our business open until we can hire help. I think gallery relationships are an important part of an artist’s business plan too but never stop self-promotion as well. It takes both.
I think people should consider how important art is to each of us, what a gift to be able to enjoy something created by another person. Art enhances our life and provides pleasure. Imagine living in a space with only white walls, sad…. Go to galleries, exhibits and visit with artists, support the arts!
If you desire to pursue painting as a career, never give up. The journey of a professional artist is as unique as the individual. Find your way but perfect your skills as you go and work with passion! Show up every day! Art making is a delicate marriage of theory and intuition and it is never boring, always an adventure.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My work can be seen in various exhibits, galleries and my studio by appointment. My website, www.HollyHunterBerry.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.HollyHunterBerry.com
- Phone: 832-418-0591
- Email: Holly@HollyHunterBerry.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/hollyhunterberryartist
- Facebook: facebook.com/hollyhunterberrystudio
- Other: pinterest.com/hollyhunterberrystudio
Image Credit:
Nathan Berry Productions, Rick Wells.
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