I’ve had the good fortune to learn so much about our native Chumash community and culture through my painting. The opportunities to paint our regional Indigenous Peoples’ portraits and share their stories have literally expanded my world. Please enjoy reading their stories through the following images with their links.
The Lone Woman of San Nicolas Island
Ernestine De Soto, living Santa Barbara Chumash Elder
All of my projects flow together. Some bodies of work will never end and others can begin in the middle of something else. We are at the 5 year anniversary of The River’s Journey project. The story of the Santa Ynez River has come full circle, from a historical drought to a historical rain fall. Our Lake Cachuma is full and our spring is lush. And now we wait… will rain return next year?
This exploration of the Santa Ynez river and Santa Barbara’s watershed kindled my fascination with clouds. I have explored our water cycle from it’s highest point in the atmosphere to my current artist residency at the White Bufflalo Land Trust at Jalama Canyon Ranch. On the ranch I am learning about watersheds, regenerative farming practices, roots and soil. Of course, water remains essential in all conversations regarding agriculture. This will fuel my work for an upcoming show at Sullivan Goss, Santa Barbara in August and September, 2023.
Gouache study with silver spoons. Holli Harmon
Hind sight always reveals connections and it is fun for me to see the trajectory of my work. I can see how time and current events shape how I respond to my creative drive. Drought propelled the River’s Journey project, clouds became tangible objects and hung from the ceiling in Santa Barbara City Hall, and the pandemic inspired an installation of kokedama balls and clouds. Of course it is easier to share this creative journey with images rather than words! Here are a few images… and not in chronological order!
