Introducing Holly Terry, a contemporary abstract artist based on the Sunshine Coast. Known for her tactile approach to colour and composition, Holly creates intuitively, drawing inspiration from the ebb and flow of everyday life.
In this conversation, she reflects on her evolving creative process, personal style, and the delicate balance between sharing authentically and protecting creative energy - both online and off.
Hello! My name is Holly Terry, I am a contemporary abstract painter based on the Sunshine Coast (Kabi Kabi), Australia.
I wouldn’t say I necessarily have an ‘approach’ to style or know exactly how to define the aesthetic. I have a very eclectic style and try not to pay too much attention to particular trends or aesthetics that are in demand at any given time. I invest in pieces that I love no matter how they’re matching with the rest of my wardrobe or in season, and that way it keeps things feeling timeless to me.
My one rule is investing in high quality fabrics and ethically made garments where I can. I always get the guilts about purchasing fast fashion or poorly made clothing. I love the tactile feel of high-quality cottons or wools – the feeling on my body is so luxurious and makes me feel happy.
Holly wears the Andy Shirt in Bone and the Edith Pant in Bone.
My creative process is all over the place! At the moment, my workload is high so I try to come into the studio five days a week, and at least do something even if it’s not painting. I create in a shared space and very much thrive off the creative dynamic between all of us here, we have a lot of fun. The girls are currently gallivanting around Europe, and my focus is definitely not all there right now as I am alone!
Just life itself! I’m very much into all of the parts of life at the moment. I don’t have particular people or places that inspire me per-se. My art is very much a reflection of life itself and my experiences whether they be ‘good’ or not so good. That being said, art making and living artfully definitely comes easier to me when life is feeling inspirational and easy. I’m feeling at my best after I’ve had a beautiful morning walk/run or a catch up with my girlfriends.
Holly wears the Liv Dress in Black Stripe.
Workwise, I have a number of shows in the pipeline which are super exciting. I’m just about to show for the first time in Los Angeles in late July. This is a big deal for me!
Personally, we have just purchased our second home. It’s a gorgeous little cottage style home on the coast. I’m so excited! I’ve been having so much fun investing in art and household objects for our space from independent makers. I’ll definitely be sharing more of this online once we are in!
This has been a big topic amongst our studio lately. Back in my earlier career I would curate my content a lot more, make sure every image was refined, think artwork and white walls. I felt incredibly disconnected to social media and my audience, which at the time seemed to be the norm. Unfortunately, and fortunately, these days a lot of the connection we have is online. I found once I surrendered to this and started sharing my authentic personality online, my digital presence (and also my feelings around social media itself) started to grow and feel easier. Also, realising that you aren’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea is a real winner. Naturally, you’ll draw a better-quality audience if you are just yourself. Of course, as an artist, balancing high quality imagery so your audience can visualise artworks in their space is equally important!
Holly wears the Liv Dress in Black Stripe.
Not very easily, haha! Lately, I’ve been leaning into the chaos and noise as that’s life. It’s been influencing my art making in an unexpected but positive way. It gave it more dimension, I think. Aside from that, when it’s all too much, taking rest when I need it is important for me. It’s cliché, but yoga really does quieten my mind more than anything else.
Not buying into trends or styles. There’s real value in creating a space that reflects you and makes you feel happy rather than something that’s reflective of what everyone else is doing or ‘aesthetic’. Pieces that hold sentimental value are a must, like items collected from travels. Similarly to how I dress, I invest in pieces that are well made and make me feel happy. My home is always eclectic, and full of pieces which I’ve collected over the years. I hate the idea of purchasing something I’ll want to swap out a short time later.
Holly wears the Andy Shirt in Bone and the Edith Pant in Bone.
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