Fro Mod Mobilian correspondent Old Lady Hayes:

Today, we stray a little bit out of my comfort zone of tunes and venture into a world I know little about but I am quickly learning ; art. I should start with why I have always been wary of the art scene. When I was a kid, I begged for pastels, paint and after a few days of watching non-stop Bob Ross and his happy trees, an easel.

My parents eventually caved and got me the materials I needed to be a swell artist. But even with all the ingredients I couldn’t make the cake. Hell, I still can’t draw the basic teapot I was kicked out of art class for. But I suppose that all worked out for the better because I went to a theater class after that. And the rest, as they say is history.

I have always had a long fascination with artists. Their ability to create amazing images out of thin air with the stroke of a brush or the flick of a pen is quite an awesome talent and to this day makes me envious that I can’t do the same. I want to make happy trees and happy clouds. But alas, I digress…

Mobile’s Art Scene is a varying array of traditional to abstract art. I feel very lucky to know the handful of artists that I do. And I continue to be blown away by what Mobile’s Art Scene churns out.

One show that is coming up next Friday, August 13th , has me so over the moon it is ridiculous. It features that is three insanely talented folks: Josh Holland, Sol Davis and Nikkita “Nikki” Bhakta. These three artists have uniquely different styles but seem to have a few common threads that when paired together will blow you away. And that is what you will get at the Mobile Arts Council with their showing , “A Grand Amalgamation.” Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with one of the artist, Josh Holland, and get the scoop on this project months in the making.

Old Lady Hayes: What I like to do with these articles is start with an artist/musician introduction. Since you are the first artist in this series, take a moment to share with the Mods who you are and where they may have seen some of your work before.

Josh Holland: My name is Josh Holland. I can drink most of you under the table. I’m slightly neurotic, imbalanced and like to stir up trouble. I look out for my people and they look out for me. I am an artist. I went to college, worked my ass off and graduated, that’s how I became a graphic designer.

You may (or may not) have seen my work around town at one or more of the following fine establishments: Blind Mule Restaurant & Bar, Serda’s Coffee, Soul Kitchen, Alabama Music Box, Liquid Sushi Lounge, Satori Coffee, University of South Alabama Townhouse Gallery, Bayfest and various people’s walls who have bought, stolen or “found” some of my work.

OLH: I am really digging the title for this event, “A Grand Amalgamation”. Tell us how this amalgamation came to be.

JH: Well, I think a lot of my friends and I have talked about doing a show together for years. We have all participated in various group shows over time but with just a few pieces in each one but nothing like this. The Grand Amalgamation is essentially three separate shows under one roof. We all have very distinct styles and really wanted a place to showcase that.

Initially, Charlie Smoke approached me about doing a show there and of course I agreed right away. It totally caught me off caught and I was humbled that he would ask me to exhibit my work there. At the time, I don’t think either of us knew what we had gotten ourselves into. From there Nikki was supposed to have a show around the same time and it ended up where August was more convenient for her. We ran it by Charlie and he was all about it and asked about a third person for the show. Immediately, Sol came to mind for both of us. Being friends and big fans of his work it seemed like the most obvious choice.

Things just kind of fell into place from there. We were all very confident in each other’s ability to produce top notch work and create intrigue in the community. As time passed, our work developed and word spread that we were doing a show together, people really seemed to get excited about the whole idea. From there things have really started to take off and we are hopeful that the show will be a success for not only ourselves but MAC as well.

OLH: While different, there seems to be a common thread that connects the three showings. Everything that I have been fortunate to see before the public, is very vivid.

JH: That is definitely the case here. All three shows are drastically different both in terms of style and content. One common thread, however, is the range and intensity of color throughout all of our work. The reasons for that, I think, are varied.

We all come from a similar background in that we have formal training in the arts, socialize in the same circles and have a healthy obsession for music, fine arts, design, fashion, animation and all of the things that excite the mind, body and soul. We not only understand the practical use of color and what it means visually but also understand that it can affect the viewer on a subconscious and spiritual level as well. I strongly believe in not just stimulating the eye but the mind and spirit as well.

OLH: You, Sol and Nikki run in the same social circles but is this the first time the three of you have shown together?

JH: We have all had things in group shows over the years but again, mainly limited to just a few pieces in each one. Never anything on this scale though.

OLH: This show seems like it will push the boundaries of what has been shown at the Mobile Arts Council before. Are you happy to be a part of that expanding horizon and do you think it will help the variety of shows in the future?

JH: First and foremost, I am thrilled and honored that Charlie and Mobile Arts Council would have us and our work there. Secondly, I do agree that in a lot of ways the show is definitely a break from some of the artists showcased in the past. I think not only in terms of just the visual impact of the show but also in regards to style and subject matter as well. It is a very contemporary show without a doubt. Again, it is just an honor to be a part of the gallery and the list of the artists who have shown there in the past.

So check it out Mods! These three artists have uniquely distinctive styles that you can catch at the opening of “A Grand Amalgamation” during the Friday the Thirteenth Art Walk at the Mobile Arts Council. Mod Mobilian thanks Josh Holland for his time and urges you to check out the event page for “A Grand Amalgamation”