Statement:
My work is inspired by the beauty found in the infinitude of Nature’s designs. After years of observing our planet as a scientist, I am grateful to have the opportunity to develop a less rigorous, more intuitive interpretation of the natural world through oil painting. Whether I am trying to capture the sense of a forest, a magical sunrise, or a waterfall, I approach every painting with the aspirational goal to inspire a feeling of wonder in the viewer. My challenge is to create a composition where every square inch of painted canvas contributes harmoniously to effect of the overall piece. Whether the idea for a painting was sparked by a photographic reference or grew completely from my imagination, each piece will go through many iterations before revealing what it was meant to be. If the finished painting speaks to you, I have succeeded.
Biography:
Southern California artist Holly Given’s colorful oil paintings communicate her joyous encounters with the natural world. Holly learned to paint during childhood as therapy for a speech defect, but has spent most of her adult life in the world of science. Some of her subject matter derives from her career experiences in earth and marine sciences. Holly completed the certificate program in Art and the Creative Process at UC San Diego Extended Studies in 2018. She also has a Ph.D. in Geophysics from California Institute of Technology and a B.S. in Physics from University of Illinois. Holly has had recent (2024-2025) solo exhibitions at the Carlsbad Library, UC San Diego’s Faculty Club, and Gallery 21 at Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park. Her work has been included group shows at the Borrego Art Institute, San Diego County Fair, and Ashton Gallery. She is a member of the Oceanside Museum of Art’s Artist Alliance and the Borrego Art Institute. She lives in La Jolla, California.
