How long have you lived on the Northern Beaches?
20 years. Originally from Geelong, met a Sydneysider in London…voilà, here I am!
What’s your favourite beach?
North Curly. Magic spot. Epic waves and holds the sunlight for the longest dusk.
Where’s your favourite place to eat, drink, hang out?
Riccardo’s for pizza and Pinot, or Aomjai Thai with a Riesling! Usually – simply at Dee Why Beach.
What’s the best thing about the Northern Beaches?
The ability to have your feet in the sand and jump in the ocean in minutes.
What’s one of your best memories of life on the Beaches?
Simple pleasures, a swim before work, or appreciating the last of the pink hues at sunset.
If you had to live anywhere else, where would that second-best place on Earth be?
Amalfi Coast. Swim, draw, paint, and sip vino.
What inspired your cover art?
My love of the ocean and the pure joy and playfulness that the ocean can bring about – even to these majestic mammals. Whales sing to a whole other level of play. I’ve created a collection of whale artworks for the start of their migration heading north to breed, before the mothers and their calves return later in the year. Sighting whales is captivating. I’ve had countless experiences glimpsing a waterspout, spectacular breaches, tail slap, or a fin waving. I find it hard to draw myself away.
What inspires you in general?
My artwork is how I see the world around me, light and movement, the colour of the ocean or the line of the human form, communicated via charcoal, paint – whatever the medium – to canvas or paper. Something intuitive, strong, and powerful, that you cannot get from a photo or Artificial Intelligence. It’s personal and, I hope, connects with the viewer.
How would you describe your art?
Emotive, gestural and impressionistic.
What is your favourite part of the process?
I take joy in mark-making as a direct and intuitive response filled with energy.
You held your first solo exhibition, “Drawn In”, last November. What stands out the most in your memory of that opening night?
There was overwhelming love in the room. Everyone just lit up. I was calm, having done all the work to prepare the gallery, but it was a contagious high. And a sea of red dots!
Which artists or other inspiring people, dead or alive, would you most like to have dinner with and why?
Ah the ‘Artw@nk’ question haha! I would invite Turner, Matisse, Van Gogh, Gaugan, Toulouse-Lautrec, Brett Whitely, and Matt Damon. (Why not!)
Did you study art?
Yes, Bachelor of Art, double major Painting & Drawing – as I couldn’t split the two disciplines.
What are you currently working on?
A few commissions are now on the easel in my studio in Brooky.
What’s your favourite thing about what you do?
That I’m bloody doing it!
How can people buy and support your art?
The cover and small collection of whale paintings are available online at hollymahoney.com.au or follow @hollymahoney.artist on socials. Positive vibes
always welcome.
What would you like to see in the future of the Beaches art scene?
More life drawing – watch this space!
What advice do you have for young or aspiring artists?
Just make your marks and go for it!
Are there any words of wisdom you’re guided by?
Walk your talk.
More from our local artists
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