Elina Holley: Painting a Vibrant, Thought-Provoking World
Elina Holley, an experienced, professional artist, is known for her unique style, vibrant colors, and thoughtful themes. Born and raised in Finland, her art has adorned many public spaces, exhibitions, and even the new IBM headquarters in Helsinki. But beyond the visual pleasure they provide, Holley's creations are also a medium to raise awareness of pressing environmental issues.
Elina Holley's Mural at IBM Headquarters in Helsinki, Finland
Creating Aesthetics of Joy and the IBM Mural Story
One of the works that Holley is particularly proud of is the botanical mural she created for IBM's new headquarters in Helsinki. The mural, titled 'Flora', was not just a piece of art but became the overall concept for the entire office building. The idea behind 'Flora' was to create an aesthetic of joy, reflecting Holley's belief that nature offers the most beautiful and astonishing shapes, patterns, and color combinations. Working on this project was a transformative experience, adapting to the morning rhythms of construction workers and painting amid the building site. The mural continues to inspire and bring joy to everyone who comes across it, embodying Holley's love for nature and her ability to transform it into breathtaking art.
The Journey to Art: A Lifelong Passion
Art has been a part of Holley's life since her childhood. Her journey began at the tender age of seven when a healthcare service company bought her painting featuring a cute panda character. This early recognition nurtured her love for art, leading her to pursue degrees in illustration and graphic design. Over the years, she has created visuals for non-profit organizations and global commercial clients, including IBM. Her mother's concerns about her spending too much time illustrating her school notebooks were put to rest by her teacher's advice to let her draw. Today, she adds beauty and hope to the world through her art.
Connecting with the Audience: Exhibitions and Beyond
Holley believes in the power of exhibitions and collaborations to connect with her audience. She values direct feedback, cherishing the moments when her art inspires young aspiring artists. Once, while painting an 84m2 mural at her local beach, she was moved by the excitement of a young girl with shiny eyes. For Holley, these interactions are a testament to her role as an artist, not just beautifying the world but also setting an example for future creatives. Social media also plays a crucial role in her connection with a broader audience, allowing her to showcase her work to a global audience.
Art with a Purpose: Raising Awareness
Holley's art is not just about creating beautiful images but also about raising awareness about important environmental issues like biodiversity loss and climate change. Her artwork, such as the 'climate refugee sea slugs', has been exhibited at popular events and festivals, drawing attention to these critical issues. She creates concepts about insect extinction that have been exhibited at Helsinki Design Week, the largest design festival in the Nordic countries. This dual purpose of her art - to delight and to educate - sets her apart in the industry.
Future Plans and Goals: A Global Influence
As for her future plans, Holley has an artist residency lined up in Lisbon, Portugal, where she will focus on a personal project and an upcoming exhibition closely related to her passions. She aspires to become an influential, global artist, planning to exhibit her work in established galleries and museums and work on more international commercial commissions. Her goal is to keep transforming public spaces into joyful experiences, making everyday life a bit more magical through her art.
Through her unique style, thoughtful themes, and a deep connection with her audience, Elina Holley continues to inspire and move people with her art. Her work not only adds beauty to the world but also serves as a reminder to cherish and celebrate the beauty of life.