Holly’s Process
Icons from the Christian Eastern Orthodox Tradition
These saints and angels are painted on special icon wood panels which are pre-prepared with numerous layers of gesso.
This smooth and absorbent surface is a perfect base for the beautiful multiple layers of translucent color traditionally used in their depiction.
Traditional proportions, materials and symbolism is followed for these pieces. Holly has studied in the Russian and Eastern Orthodox tradition, which goes back over a thousand years. Icons are done with acrylic paint or egg tempera techniques, and may include 23 karat gold.
Buddhist and Hindu imagery derived from Tibetan and Indian roots
Holly became familiar with Buddhist art firsthand while living and studying Thangka painting in Dharamsala, India with Master Locho, a Tibetan Thangka Master.
Thangkas, or Tibetan Buddhist scroll paintings, were originally used by traveling Buddhist lamas to depict deities or teach aspects of Buddhist thought and tradition. Paintings of deities and symbols from these traditions are done with oil or acrylic paint on canvas.
These Buddhas, Taras and various Hindu deities depicted are based on the symbology and methods used in thousands of years of tradition.
Holly’s Spiritual Imagery, Auras & Chakras
By tuning into our auras (the subtle energy fields surrounding us) and chakras (the seven main energy centers of the body) Holly depicts the glowing colors of energy and light surrounding living bodies, creating translucent, shimmering images using pastels on paper, or with oil or acrylic paint on canvas.