Artist Spotlight: Holly McLennan-Brown

We shine the spotlight on Holly McLennan-Brown whose art featured in Eliza and Liberty's entry way on The Block.

Holly is a talented artist and Yorta Yorta woman, come with us as we explore more of Holly's work and chat all things life and  The Block.

Meet Holly McLennan-Brown, her artwork's have been featured in Eliza and Liberty's entry way on The Block.

Tell us a bit about yourself...

I’m a 24 year old artist from Naarm/Melbourne. I am a Yorta Yorta woman and love to use my art as a bridge to engage people with my culture. I'm quite adventurous and as an only child I'm really comfortable in my own company. I love time to myself.

How long have you been producing your art?

I've always had my hands in an art project and I've dabbled in most things. I’m very driven and I like to give everything a go. It was during covid I really took time for acrylic on canvas painting.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

I mainly draw inspiration from my feelings or what I'm personally inspired by. When putting together the storylines to my artworks they are generally written similar to a journal entry. My pieces are a direct stream of my thoughts.

Holly was approached by Artist Lane to submit works for The Block Shop to show the contestants, and Eliza and Liberty loved these two instantly! "The art really ties into our colour scheme, Holly is so talented, we love that these two pieces greet you as you enter the house" Eliza said. Shop Holly's full range at The Block Shop here.

How would you describe your art?

I would describe my art as contemporary and vibrant. There's a lot of detail in my work so each piece is a huge labour of love. I hope that the labour of love is reflected in the perception of my work.

Your art features on The Block this year? 

I received an email from Artist Lane in regards to creating a couple of artworks to show to the contestants and it flourished from there. I was so excited when I got the call to say my art would be featured on The Block this year. I wasn't sure which couple chose my work, I twas thrilled to see it in Eliza and Liberty's entryway to their beautiful house!

What does it mean for you to have your art featured on The Block and be a Block Shop artist?

I’m a huge fan of The Block, I’ve been watching it with my mum since I was young so to have my art featured on The Block is huge. I never would have imagined all those years ago I'd have this opportunity.

"I wasn't sure which couple chose my work, I twas thrilled to see it in Eliza and Liberty's entryway to their beautiful house!" Holly said . And we couldn't agree more that these artworks are the perfect welcome home!

Are there any particular artists that inspire you?

Natalie Jade, I love everything she creates. I’m also fan of Ka Mo and Erin Reinboth, I love the way they use colour.

Where do you like to create your art?

I create my art in a spare bedroom of my house, it gets so much sunlight coming in and I can watch the sunset from my desk. It's such a peaceful space for me.

Do you have a playlist / podcast you like to create to?

I love listening to true crime, I find the psychological aspect of it really interesting. I’ve been listening to Bella Fiori on youtube for years so I always look forward to her new videos.

What does a typical day look like for you?
Every day is different for me, which is something I really love. I guess my days are guided by the project or painting I'm currently working on.

It's hard to believe Holly is only 24, she shows amazing promise of even greater things to come "I am a Yorta Yorta woman and love to use my art as a bridge to engage people with my culture." Holly said.

Favourite holiday destination?

My favourite holiday destination would be New Zealand. My mum is a kiwi so I've spent a lot of time there over the years. I actually got married on top of a mountain in Queenstown in January. It’s a happy place for me.

What would you buy yourself from The Block Shop?

I would buy myself Art from The Block Shop, there’s such a great range of different pieces available. I think I’d also find myself a beautiful full length mirror there too.

Favourite house decorating trend?

I don't think I could identify my favourite house trend, I love natural textures in the home. I’m not up to date with trends but I could put together a pinterest board in a heartbeat of what i love!

"I mainly draw inspiration from my feelings or what I'm personally inspired by. When putting together the storylines to my artworks they are generally written similar to a journal entry. My pieces are a direct stream of my thoughts." Holly McLennan-Brown 

Favourite room in the house?

My living room. It has a few pieces in there that i love and it gets a lot of sunlight.

Have you built your own house?

We don't own, we currently rent but I definitely dream of an old weatherboard home with a verandah wrapping around the outside. Something we could work on and make our own. I can’t wait to buy my own home and have more flexibility with styling.

Favourite decor item in the house?

My favourite piece in my home is my TV unit. My husband and I restored it a few years ago, we painted it a beautiful sage green and kept the original timber on the inside. It has two little glass doors on either side where you can see through to the timber. I just love it, to me it’s a real piece of furniture and was a weekend of laughs and hard work.

Favourite artwork you own?

I bought a Freestone Art Canvas Print a few years ago. I love it more and more every day.

"I would describe my art as contemporary and vibrant. There's a lot of detail in my work so each piece is a huge labour of love. I hope that the labour of love is reflected in the perception of my work."

Most treasured possession?

I’m not the most sentimental person but I have an Artwork my uncle painted. I treasure that. I love seeing the brushstrokes and details knowing he put his time and love into the piece.

Know anyone else who hasn’t been featured on The Block but should be?

Sandon Gibbs-O'Neill from Burruguu Art, I love his work and I think he’d make an incredible impact.

A perfect Sunday afternoon would be....
Day tripping around Victoria with my husband.

A huge heartfelt thank you to the amazing Holly for taking the time to chat with us, we are so thrilled your work found its way onto The Block 2023. We have no doubt we will see more of this amazing talent very soon!

Which Blockhead are you? Eliza and Liberty who clearly pick great artwork? or are you Steph and Gian with a love of Japandi?  Take the quiz to find out what your Blockhead style is?