Wednesday Holmes on Illustration and Activism
“My grandmother always had this box in her house filled with crayons, paints, collages and interesting paper. In this box I saw how much fun “making” can be, ”says illustrator and designer Wednesday Holmes.
Holmes & # 39; illustrations feel like peek inside this colorful box because while the images are digitally created they convey the same sense of joy and opportunity. The Bristolian Illustrator's work is positive and cheerful, favoring bright colors, simple bubble text, and smiling characters. But make no mistake, Holmes' art is not only cute, it is weighted meaningfully and is meant to convey education, empathy and kindness. Holmes often deals with personal experiences and stories to create a safe online space for everyone and everyone.
The practice of the creative is now based on empowering others and making a difference, but when Holmes first got into illustration, a journey of self-discovery began. “I started illustrating in order to understand myself and the world around me. I use art to explain and to survive, ”they explain. "I always struggled to put my thoughts into words, and illustration made it feel so much easier to communicate my feelings."
Above: Self-Portrait (with photo by Poppy Marriott), 2020; Above: Breaking News: Queer is Cute, 2018
Holmes initially concentrated on self-portraits in order to process thoughts visually. “I used art to deal with mental illness. I would paint twisted, almost frightening portraits. That's how I felt then. It was scary. Everything was scary, ”they explain. “Over the years I got better and better and I saw my art change. My motives were different and I finally felt I had the courage to connect with others through my art practice. And I wanted to use it to help people. "