About Holly
Holly Moeller is a painter based in the countryside of Lancashire, UK.
She creates expressive, dreamlike landscapes working primarily with watercolours, inks and metallic paints to explore themes relating to mental health and spirituality.
Where it all began...
From the world of academia to the world of art
Holly always had a passion for spirituality but always felt a disconnect with the established religious organisations she grew up attending. She longed to express her individual spirituality one day in a way that felt freeing and authentic.
After earning both her undergraduate and master’s degrees in history at the University of Cambridge, she trained for two years as a priest in the Church of England at Trinity College Bristol.
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In fact, the student Holly wouldn't believe where she would end up just a couple of years down the line...
The dark days
A physical and mental breakdown
Two years into studying theology to become a priest, Holly suffered a physical and mental breakdown.
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Most days brought migraines, horrific nightmares, flashbacks and suicidal thoughts. Moreover, her body was overcome with extreme fatigue. She was diagnosed with PTSD in spring 2022 and decided to quit training to be a priest so she could focus on her health.
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However, these dark days sowed the seeds for beautiful growth to come. During rare moments of energy, Holly turned to painting. The stage was set for a return to her childhood love of art.
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A new beginning
A period of creative growth
Soon, Holly began working on her craft intensively, exploring wet-on-wet technique and experimenting with fineliners, metallic paints, quills and ink. She recovered enough strength to begin a part-time job and focused on developing a creative practice.
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In September 2022, she set up her first creative business - Holly Moeller Creative. She took painting commissions, launched an art collection and wrote her debut fantasy novel.
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​However, it wasn’t until she reconnected with her spiritual side – developing a new connection to presence and wonder and life that felt true to herself – that she developed her signature atmospheric, dreamlike style full of movement and emotion.
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Kettle and Quill
Finding recognition and living as her authentic artist self
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​After receiving wonderful feedback and praise, Holly started taking enquiries for commission. She also began to gain industry recognition and received grant awards from a variety of British institutions including the Greater Manchester Inspire Fund.
In 2024, Holly founded her art studio - Kettle & Quill. Her work was shortlisted for several international art awards, she collaborated with well known brands/influencers including Fat Face and Amie McNee.
Today Holly's artwork can be found in many private collections around the world. More than that, however, she finally feels like she can live her authentic artistic self and help others explore a kind, personal spiritual connection to the wonder of Life and to their inner truth. Read more about what Holly wants her artwork to comunicate here.
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