Detail, “Before They Came” oil on oval panel, 48x40

The Wildling Museum

is thrilled to welcome artist

Holli Harmon

for our next Zoom presentation on

Wednesday August 19, 2020

at 4 p.m.

“Here is your chance to ask me everything you want to know about my work, my motivations, and my process! Send in your questions now or participate in the Q&A after the talk!”

— Holli Harmon

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Harmon previously exhibited at the Wildling Museum as part of The River’s Journey in 2018 and on July 31st, she opens a new exhibition at Santa Barbara's Sullivan Goss Gallery featuring her most recent body of work, Califia, referencing the mythical female warrior who became the state of California’s namesake.

Layers of regional flora, fauna, and culture make their way throughout Harmon’s work, as she explores California landscapes and subject matter, often using the female figure as a storyteller through her vivid compositions.

“My work revolves around human experiences that are connection points between different cultures and generations set in iconic California imagery,” says Harmon. “My paintings are material records of these places and people.”

We'll talk to Harmon about her artistic process and enjoy an up-close look at her many different techniques, including monoprinting, oil painting, mixed media, and more.

Please note that our live presentation is limited to the first 100 registrants. A recording of the presentation will be available following the event.

Please email info@wildlingmuseum.org or call (805) 686-8315 with any questions.

View fullsize

Ynez and Barbara, Oil and Cold Wax on Panel, 24x36”

After working on The River’s Journey project for several years, figures started to return to my landscapes.  Borrowing from tradition, the Santa Ynez River morphed into several female figures starting with three small gouaches, creating a miniseries called “The Last Straw”.  These bathing beauties each represented one of the 3 dams we have built to contain water for the southern part of Santa Barbara County.  

Ynez Wringing Her Hair, 20x24” Oil on Panel 2018

As I continued to play with the river as a female muse, more paintings developed relating to our water relationship in California.  These paintings became the foundation for my new Califia Series.   As I explore the many cultural influences that create our multi-faceted State, small narratives get layered and uncovered.  Each painting has a strong female lead, that stands as our State’s namesake, the mythical Califia.

I will unveil the entire series at my upcoming show at Sullivan Goss this summer. You can follow along on instagram and facebook to see the work in progress.