Weldon & Beyond: Interview with Artist Holly Burgwyn Dickens
“When asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, the answer was always “artist.”
Weldon & Beyond: Interview with Artist Holly Burgwyn Dickens
The Weldon & Beyond Art Show is pleased to feature works by artist Holly Burgwyn Dickens at its upcoming exhibition. Louisa Holoman Burgwyn Dickens, or “Holly” as most people know her, grew up in Northampton County and attended the Ridgecroft School in Ahoskie, North Carolina. She pursued her education at East Carolina University and now works in software sales for leader, SAS, a leading data analytics company, based in Cary, North Carolina.
Holly lives with her husband and two-year old son in Louisburg, North Carolina. Even with her full schedule and multiple responsibilities, Holly manages to find time to paint and connect with her creative side at the end of the day.
From a young age, Holly's heart was captivated by the splendor of nature, spending countless hours in the surroundings of her rural home. It was within this backdrop that her artistic journey began to flourish, as she translated the beauty of her surroundings with watercolors and oils, focusing heavily on fine details.
Holly kindly shared the following thoughts in advance of the Weldon & Beyond Art Show:
Please tell us about what inspires you as an artist and give us a preview of the art that you will be displaying at the upcoming art show.
When asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, the answer was always "artist." Growing up on the farm, I spent a lot of time outdoors admiring God's creations. Animals, insects, sunsets and flowers all inspire me. I've been painting as long as I can remember, but became serious about it in the last decade after the passing of one of my very best friends. She particularly loved peonies, and as an effort to channel some of my grief and honor her, I began practicing painting them and other flowers.
I'll be displaying a few oil-based pieces at the show ranging from butterflies in flight, peonies and a blush iris.
Holly, the land you grew up on sounds beautiful. Tell us more about your connection to this special place where multiple generations of your family have lived and worked.
I am named after my grandmother, Mebane Holoman Burgwyn, who was an author and artist. I grew up in the home where she wrote her books and painted. Many of her writings and paintings were inspired by life on the farm. I have her paintings and novels displayed in my home today, and her legacy continues to serve as my inspiration. Although I did not have much time with her here on Earth, I am so proud to be her granddaughter and incredibly grateful for the creative passion that I have inherited from her.
My parents still live on the farm, and my heart will always be there. As the saying goes, “There is no place like home.” Northeastern North Carolina is truly the most peaceful place on Earth to me.
Holly invites readers to view her Instagram @louisabdart. There you can find video reels created by Holly where you can learn more about her paintings and artistic process.
Interview and edits with Holly Burgwyn and Bert Kittner, April 2024
