It’s a pleasure to join forces with Elizabeth of Pine Cones & Acorns today as we honor artists we admire. I think of this gifted artist daily since I gaze with gratitude at pieces of her fine art in our home. They aren’t decoration as much as lifegiving treasures brought to life by healing hands. The beautiful work evokes feelings of soothing calm, quiet joy, and even mystery. Yet learning more about the artist’s personal journey adds a layer of sacredness, mercy, and grace to her lovely creations. Let’s peek at an eclectic gallery from her portfolio and meet celebrated fine artist Holly Irwin.
Images: Holly Irwin
Fine Artist Holly Irwin
Video of Work
I love following Holly’s journey and spending time with her work. So it was a joy to create this short video:
Where Can You See & Collect Her Art?
See available works for purchase HERE. Irwin’s paintings are widely revered by collectors, galleries (@dkcontemporarygallery, @beverlymcneilgallery, @lyonsshareart) and interior designers (her work shows up in gorgeous magazines!).
Meet the Artist
She writes: “With encouragement from my mother, I began formal art classes at age 11, studying under Pittsburgh’s legendary art teacher, Joseph Fitzpatrick, whose list of famous students include Andy Warhol. Four years later, I was awarded a scholarship to Carnegie-Mellon University’s fine arts program for high school students.”
Like the French impressionist Renoir, Holly Irwin has rheumatoid arthritis (RA), yet she brilliantly eclipses what others might regard as limiting circumstances. An auto-immune disease, chronic illness, and even a dozen surgeries for hands and feet could not block the flow of elegant beauty from her soul to the canvas.
Her fashion sense and eye for rich color are enchanting.
(The artist herself is a cover girl – you may have seen her on the cover of Arthritis Today a few years back!)
You cannot miss the childlike wonder in her fashionable pieces. Yet her grownup nudes have an alluring ethereality.
Isn’t it glorious to see the brushstrokes here below?
Listen in to a heartfelt conversation with Holly as she shares perspective and depth.
A Chat With Holly Irwin
On Creativity…
HL: WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO HONOR CREATIVITY?
HOLLY: It’s therapy and joy and wholeness and healing all wrapped up into one bundle.
On Everyday Wonder…
HL: Any suggestions for finding lovely and sacredness in the everyday?
HOLLY: Anyone who has been really ill or close to death looks at the everyday with a renewed sense of wonder when they have a second chance at life.
There was a time when just walking from one room to the next was so excruciatingly painful and draining for me that I surely missed all the beauty around me.
The pain of rheumatoid arthritis robbed me of my joy for living.
Now that it is pretty much under control, I am so thankful I can walk and get exercise…
the experience has given me a whole new perspective of how lucky I am.
On the Beauty of Imperfection…
HL: When you hear “beauty in imperfection,” what comes to mind?
HOLLY: Who is perfect, really? It reminds me that no matter how many times we fail, God is always there to help us get back up.
And He can bring good out of the worst circumstances if we put our faith in Him.
On Humor & Artistry…
HL: What role does a sense of humor play in your life and work?
HOLLY: I believe that a sense of humor is critical to just getting through life’s ups and downs. Laughter really is good medicine…
ever noticed how great you feel after you laugh out loud uncontrollably with someone?
We need to do that more often!
HL: What three things are inspiring you at the moment?
HOLLY: NATURE and the lush colors of springtime and summer; I can sometimes imagine a whole painting based solely on seeing a color that strikes me in a certain way.
FEMININITY, like the way a woman feels in a beautiful dress.
When I was a child, my mother (whom I adored!) was a fashion illustrator.
She had a great love of fabric and sewing and made all of our clothes.
This has influenced my paintings a great deal over the years and continues to do so.
PATTERNS…like the formation of leaves on trees, the repeating patterns in flowers and plants.
In Gratitude…
Holly’s responses always fill me with fresh hope and awe, and I just love her tender soul. Oh how we desperately need the artist in chaotic times to expand our vision, to consecrate the chaos. They see what we often cannot see. Stories of how little can become much (and even masterpieces) when placed in the Creator’s hands? Reminders that beauty can revive us as we seek it? These artfully expressed stories beyond words never grow old.
Thank you, Holly, for blessings from your healing hands. For being a warrior for light in the darkness.
If you have a moment, do visit Pinecones & Acorns to discover the artistry of RIA KRISHNAN.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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Michele,
What a joy to meet not only an incredible artist. Hollys work is etherial, magical and makes you feel as if you are the woman in the dress or walking amongst the flowers.
Her appreciate for life and joy radiate from the canvas. I cannot imagine going through life with debilitating pain and chronic illness and managing to see the beauty and wonder of each day. Hollys message is clear, celebrate the joys, little moments and life EVERY DAY.
Thank you for sharing such an inspirational artist. I cannot wait to follow her and explore more of her work.
P.S. The first painting looks just like you! I can see why you would love to own it!
Thank you for joining me today Michele! It is always a pleasure to collaborate and share our interests and blogs with our respective followers.
xo Elizabeth
Author
Beautifully stated, Elizabeth! Loved this opportunity to collaborate with you so much. Thank you for inviting me to your world of pinecones. I hope your followers who land here feel wrapped in beauty and magic as they behold Holly Irwin and her gifts. She’s so humble and has endured such fire. I share so much in common with this artist so it is no wonder we found each other. Isn’t that just how the magic of divine love and mysterious energies work? xox
Thank you Michele for bringing Holly to our attention. Her work is so beautiful and will look further into her work. Only wish I had room on my walls, any space is kept for my daughter’s paintings. Have a blessed day.
Author
How wonderful to have an artist in the family – we need them desperately. Thanks for reading!
Hi Michele,
Thank you for this awesome tribute to my story and my work. You have lifted me up with your beautiful expressions of living a grateful life, even with debilitating illness, for so many years. It is truly an honor to be featured on your blog. The video is wonderful too. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, dear friend! I look forward to following @pineconesandacorns too! XOXO
P.S. The first painting does look a lot like you!
Author
We just love you, and you’re so welcome. I’m so happy you feel uplifted because that is how your work affects all of us. Your creations reflect a purity I am always seeking in my life, and we have to become so still to allow it to come. I think this is why illness so often transforms us so beautifully. There is this forced opportunity to surrender as we come to the end of our personal resources. To soften and not grow bitter…it’s always the sweetest fruit. 🙂
Loved this post! something fresh and different highlighting a truly talented artist and story.
Author
Thanks for letting me know and for adding to the beauty here! So beyond talented and so humbly sharing her light with the world.