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Local artist, Jessica Holliday recently exhibited at the Auckland Art Show for the first time. She says the show was an amazing experience.
“The show was a great success for me. I sold six original paintings, which I was absolutely thrilled with,” she told the Times.
“Beyond the sales, one of the biggest highlights was meeting so many people who connected with my work and hearing the stories behind why particular pieces resonated with them. The show also introduced my art to a much wider audience, and I’ve had a lot of lovely support, enquiries and new followers since.”
After attending events in the past, Holliday took the plunge and entered her work.
“It’s such an amazing event. There are some great artists who are focused on making art for everybody, so it’s an accessible place where artists can get their foot in the door – that was my main reason for entering,” she explains.
“Overall, it was definitely worthwhile and I’d absolutely love to take part again next year. It’s given me a lot of encouragement and excitement about where my art is heading.”
Holliday has a lifelong love of art.
“I found out I was dyslexic when I was at school, I figured that my brain works quite differently, much better with pictures, so I was always doodling and drawing,” she recalls.
“So, art has always been a part of my life, as a hobby and I’ve earned commissions while working part-time, but this year I’ve finally found the courage to do it full time.”
A mixed media artist blending realism and abstraction, Holliday often takes inspiration from Auckland Botanic Gardens.
“I’m originally from South Africa, so I have a lot of proteas in my work, but I’ve also been living in New Zealand for 30 years, so I include native birds and plants too.”
For more information about Holliday and her work, visit jhollidayart.com.
