Today we’d like to introduce you to Holland Sharon
Hi Holland, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, I always loved art and interior design, but did not quite know which direction I would go. I grew up in an environment with family and friends who encouraged my creativity from a young age. Painting was always a creative outlet for me. It was something that not only allowed me to take my mind off the busyness of life, but was also a way for me to make gifts for people that meant something. After growing up in Atlanta my entire life, I was ready to move away from the city and I landed at the College of Charleston. I graduated with a Bachelor of Historic Preservation and minor in Art History and quickly found myself at my dream job as an interior designer in Charleston right after graduation.
After working full time, painting was still something I loved, but interior design was where my main focus was the first few years after college. Here and there, I would find time to paint, but it was always something I wish I had more time for. After a friend reached out to me to do a live wedding painting for her wedding, I took a leap of faith to incorporate painting into my everyday life again. Between live wedding paintings and commissions for friends, I have been continuously encouraged to make more time for it. While I love getting to create spaces and places for people to live and celebrate life in, there’s a different excitement to seeing a piece of my art on their walls.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Finding time has always been the hardest part of creating and making space for art. So much of my time is spent creating at work that I often feel less motivated during my free time to paint. While it definitely has not been a smooth ride, I have been able to find excitement in live wedding paintings. There is something different about being able to paint in front of people and capture a memory that will last a lifetime for a couple. To be a part of their day and capture a moment from such a significant time in their life makes me excited. While I am excited to continue to paint more live wedding paintings for years to come, my mind is constantly dreaming of bigger and better things. I can’t help but think about creating more commissions, collections, and prints while continuing to step foot into the world of art. I certainly have not found the balance between the busyness of design and art, but I hope to find the balance between both mediums as both bring so much joy.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
While I currently specialize in residential interior design, I have taken strides over the past few months towards incorporating studio art and painting back into my life. My understanding for art, color, and texture has allowed me to lean into the world of design and see a space from all aspects. While I do really enjoy interior design, painting is where I feel like I am able to be the most creative. Being able to paint at weddings, create commissions for friends, and share something I love is very rewarding. Understanding both the world of art and interior design has allowed me to create pieces that can be incorporated well into the spaces they will hang in by being able to have specific conversations with clients about sizing, color, and style. I have also been able to create art for a few clients where we had envisioned something in mind, but didn’t quite know how to curate it. One of my most favorite opportunities was being able to design a bunk room at a house on Sullivan’s Island and later being able to paint three surfboards to hang in the niches that were once filled by books. The client wanted to fill the space with color, but did not want the traditional shelves filled with accessories or clutter. These surfboards became a focal point in the room and I loved being able to step up to the challenge.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My community over the past 10 years throughout college and post graduation has made a huge impact in my life. Throughout college, I felt like I had a front row seat to the city as so many of my classes were engagement opportunities all through out Charleston. Whether it was art walks through local galleries or studying the designs of some of the oldest properties in Charleston, our classrooms felt more personal. Throughout college, I was able to intern for several friends who were studio artists and it gave me an insider scoop to what a career as a studio artist could look like. I was always inspired by their creativity and now have several friends who are artists. It has been a great opportunity to learn from them and bounce ideas off of each other and pushes me to create alongside of them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.byhollandlee.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holla.at.your.girl/
