Hollie Ryan

Beaded botanicals

Hollie's art invites reflection on emotional resonance, memory, and the enduring power of botany.

Hollie Ryan, a self-taught artist, initially pursued a career in law after university. Seeking a more creative outlet, she explored diverse paths, from diamond jewellery brokering to architectural and interior design products. Eventually, she founded Hark Handmade, a jewellery brand that became popular in Auckland, where she also shared her knowledge by teaching jewellery design workshops. When the COVID-19 pandemic forced her to pause her in-person workshops, Hollie stumbled upon a new passion: crafting beaded flowers. Inspired by some ancient photographs of 19th-century French funeral wreaths adorned with intricate beadwork, she embarked on a journey to explore their history and the beauty and transience of nature through intricate glass and wire botanical sculptures. Her art invites reflection on emotional resonance, memory, and the enduring power of botany.

Hollie's creative process involves careful study of references like photographs, botanical drawings, and real plants. She painstakingly strings tiny beads onto wire to sculpt petals, allowing room for refinement as needed. The time required for each flower varies, from simpler designs like daisies that take hours to complex pieces that demand several weeks. Her dedication lies in perfecting the initial pattern and experimenting with colours to capture a realistic likeness with her chosen materials.

Maximalism defines Hollie's design philosophy. Her work is guided by her obsession with colour and her love of abundance. On occasion, she explores minimalist styles while staying true to her artistic spirit. Her enduring fascination with flowers, botany, and nature in general continues to provide a wellspring of inspiration due to their form, colour, and the emotions they evoke.

Hollie aspires to pursue her craft full-time and explore innovative methods to enhance the realism achievable with glass and wire. She also plans to continue exhibiting her work and is deeply grateful that beaded flowers became a part of her creative journey, preserving fleeting pleasures while inviting reflection on the beauty and transience of nature.

Hollie's art invites reflection on emotional resonance, memory, and the enduring power of botany.

Hollie Ryan, a self-taught artist, initially pursued a career in law after university. Seeking a more creative outlet, she explored diverse paths, from diamond jewellery brokering to architectural and interior design products. Eventually, she founded Hark Handmade, a jewellery brand that became popular in Auckland, where she also shared her knowledge by teaching jewellery design workshops. When the COVID-19 pandemic forced her to pause her in-person workshops, Hollie stumbled upon a new passion: crafting beaded flowers. Inspired by some ancient photographs of 19th-century French funeral wreaths adorned with intricate beadwork, she embarked on a journey to explore their history and the beauty and transience of nature through intricate glass and wire botanical sculptures. Her art invites reflection on emotional resonance, memory, and the enduring power of botany.

Hollie's creative process involves careful study of references like photographs, botanical drawings, and real plants. She painstakingly strings tiny beads onto wire to sculpt petals, allowing room for refinement as needed. The time required for each flower varies, from simpler designs like daisies that take hours to complex pieces that demand several weeks. Her dedication lies in perfecting the initial pattern and experimenting with colours to capture a realistic likeness with her chosen materials.

Maximalism defines Hollie's design philosophy. Her work is guided by her obsession with colour and her love of abundance. On occasion, she explores minimalist styles while staying true to her artistic spirit. Her enduring fascination with flowers, botany, and nature in general continues to provide a wellspring of inspiration due to their form, colour, and the emotions they evoke.

Hollie aspires to pursue her craft full-time and explore innovative methods to enhance the realism achievable with glass and wire. She also plans to continue exhibiting her work and is deeply grateful that beaded flowers became a part of her creative journey, preserving fleeting pleasures while inviting reflection on the beauty and transience of nature.