Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Holley Morris . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Holley , we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Have you heard that you should always say yes to opportunity? As a visual artist who found her calling later in life, I can say that I agree! No matter how scary or how far outside your comfort zone, you should say yes to a professional opportunity.
A few years ago, I was asked to appear on a local TV morning news program to promote a local art event I was participating in. Had I ever been on TV? How would I dress? Would I be able to answer the questions the hosts might ask? How long would we be on the air? These were the questions that started running through my head when I received the text with the invitation. My first instinct was to say NO. (I had never done anything like it.) Then I realized the director of the event (who I didn’t know personally) knew enough about my artwork and me to think that it was a good idea. I took a deep breath and said yes.
I showed up at the local news station at the appointed time.There was no hair and makeup for the local artist! But I must have looked decent enough because they let me go live with them. The hosts were friendly and asked a few good questions. I remembered to speak clearly and smile, and then it was over.
This opportunity did not bring me tons of business, but it gave me something just as valuable – experience and self confidence. So when WOSU, the local PBS channel, wanted to feature me and my artwork on their show, I said YES! as soon as they contacted me.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a self-taught needle felter. After watching a few Youtube videos in 2015, I ordered supplies online and got started. It was love at first jab! My subject matter is often a landscape, a bird, or flowers, but unexpected subjects may spark my inspiration at any time. Wool adds a dimension that brings a subject to life in a much different way than paint.
I work with wool roving because of its delicacy and strength. Wool’s willingness to be manipulated makes it a perfect medium for depicting the natural world. Wool roving allows me to capture movement and life, much like watercolor painting. Lines often blur, and shapes are hinted at. At the same time, precise work can be created. My subject matter is often a traditional landscape, or a bird and flower. Wool adds a dimension that brings a subject to life in a much different way than paint.
Each piece of artwork is unique and handmade. My felted wall art and wall hangings are created free hand. I never draw or sketch the scene/subject before I start. I needle felt with dyed, raw sheep’s wool roving on wool backgrounds, on hand woven backgrounds, or on linen that I have painted with encaustic wax.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
To start a new endeavor, hobby or business, I think you need to be curious, resourceful and willing to fail. My advice to folks early in their journey is to keep trying. Hone your skills, take a class/workshop, reach out to others who inspire you for feedback and advice.
We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?
As an artist, I like to add to my strengths/skills. I started by working with dyed sheep’s wool exclusively, but after learning about encaustic painting (a painting technique in which pigments are mixed with hot liquid wax), I wanted to learn that skill so I could add it to what I was already creating. I researched by watching You Tube videos and getting books at my local library. It turns out that encaustic painting can be dangerous and expensive to do. I modified the process, and came up with artwork that has been very well received.
By seeking to learn new skills with curiosity and resourcefulness, I believe I elevated my artwork by combining two processes. I failed a few times, but it has become very rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @wanderingminds_studio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holley.morris.1/
