Owners and Operators of
Art by Jackie
Mr. & Mrs. Lillard and Jackie Holloway
Artist, Mrs. Jackie Holloway

Artist's Statement

Jackie Holloway

The tears and or laughter from customers as they see their portrait for the first time; this is the foundation of my portraits. Bringing a special miracle to lives thru a commissioned portrait of family, friends, pets or places from photographs. I purpose in each drawing that "Love" will be looked upon; either for that person, place or thing; or maybe just their memory. My art work focuses on the details of the subject and is wonderfully conveyed on canvas or paper.

Using the creative eye God gave me with little art education, I use detail as the primary focus; but ever so softly to create a since of peace. I believe the canvas can do miracles, and so, this is where the dream begins!

Lillard's Mother "Helen"

I believe that as a person, God has given you insight into what He has in store for your life. I say this because as a small child I would lie in the grass under the warm summer sky and draw, knowing that there was someone "great big" looking down at me. It felt good in knowing God was pleased with my drawings. I realized this from inside, without an adult view on the subject. As I reached my teenage years, I knew drawing was a vital part of my life.

My expressions were visible in my art work. As I did class work in school that required drawing, it was very easy and enjoyable to me. I continued to sharpen the artistic skills even into high school. However, my curious mind as a teen soon lead me to experiment with alcohol and marijuana. I did not realize it was an open door leading to a cocaine addiction, which nearly ended my life. Lack of money to supply my habit led to criminal activity and consequently incarceration. This seems to be the wake-up call I am thankful for because it caused me to examine my life. I decided to relocate to a small community and leave the temptations of the city behind. During this time my ability to draw was the gift from God that brought me back with from a painful life of drugs. If not for my love for Christ and His mercy, I would still be bound by this addiction.

                                The introduction of one of the first art pieces came during this time,

                           which I entitled "Job" (named after the Old Testament Bible Book Job). A unique treasure used and made by God to encourage His people. I am able to relate with the piece because my life, in a sense, parallels that of Job’s.

The piece was discovered one day in the beautiful countryside near my home. While walking to find wild flowers and enjoying the fresh air, I noticed a branch resting peacefully in a sea of dead leaves. It’s shape was similar to a human torso missing its head and feet. There appeared to be a gunshot wound in its back, and one of the arms was reaching up toward the sky. As I picked up the hurtful looking branch, the Spirit of the Lord Jesus spoke to me and said, "No Matter How Many Scars Remain From Wounds Of Your Past, Use What Is Left Of Your Life To Praise Me." I then named the piece "Job".

I was then given my dream of, "The Canvas Can Do Miracles Art Studio", a studio providing individuals recovering from drug and alcohol, motivation to create beautiful works of art. All material being supplied free of charge, motivating them to use the God given talent they have to create. Re-directing their lives by replacing despair and grief with a new desire to utilize that which God has given us all, the ability to create.

 Unveiling of "Use Me" for Grand Opening of The Canvas Can Do Miracles art studio.