About Jessica Jane Holliday. New Zealand based artist, born in South Africa, exploring the connection between to sense of place through art

My Story

Art has always been a central part of my life. Living with dyslexia, I often found creativity offered a way to express ideas and emotions more freely than words. Painting became a language of its own — one that allowed me to communicate intuitively and without limitation.

My work explores the relationship between people, place, and the natural environment. Drawing inspiration from both my South African roots and my life in New Zealand, I create pieces that reflect a sense of belonging, connection, and appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us.

Working with vibrant colour and expressive movement, I aim to create pieces that feel uplifting, energetic, and alive. My process is instinctive, beginning with layers of splatters, drips, inks, and spray paint before gradually revealing the final subject through layers of oil paint.

I often incorporate natural elements directly into my work, using leaves, ferns, and organic forms through stenciling, imprinting, and layering. In this way, each painting becomes a collaboration with the natural world — celebrating the beauty, diversity, and interconnectedness of the places we call home.

New Zealand artist Jessica Jane Holliday adding the finishing details to a colourful native bird and floral painting in her studio.
Jessica Jane Holliday art studio, a New Zealand based artist.
New Zealand artist Jessica Jane Holliday with an original native bird and floral painting featuring proteas, a tūī, fantail and silvereye