Artist Holly Roach takes great inspiration from the world around us, inspired by native birds, botanicals and mid-century poster design. Her artwork Kōwhai Nest, featured as part of our Year of Art series is a vibrant and contemporary work depicting a tūī nesting in a kōwhai tree.
Below, read our Q&A with Holly Roach, and purchase a copy of the March 2026 issue of Your Home and Garden to collect your very own Kōwhai Nest art print.
Can you tell us about yourself and your art?
I am originally from Canada, but have called Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, my home for the past 34 years. In my early twenties, I gained a diploma in Illustration and added a certificate in Fabric Design and Print to the mix soon after my arrival in New Zealand. Besides a 15-year stint as a restaurant cook, art has always been a fulltime practice for me. I divide my creative time between screen printing, painting, image licensing and a bit of illustration.
Your work is largely inspired by nature – what draws you towards it as a theme?
Nature really entered my art narrative after studying screen printing. It was the perfect medium to translate the flora and fauna that surrounded me into simple motifs and shapes that were a perfect fit for surface patterns and Kiwiana-inspired illustrations. Creating designs for screen printing had me seeing patterns everywhere in nature. Recent years have seen me concentrating more on painting the stunning landscapes of this country. There is endless inspiration for this.
What is the story behind Kōwhai Nest?
Kōwhai Nest is a combination of my constant muse, the tūī, and my deep excitement for mid-century design and illustration. It’s very much inspired by the poster designs of this era. A challenge for me to create a contemporary take on the gorgeous tūī among the beautiful kōwhai using bold shapes, simple lines, colour and texture.
Where in the home would Kōwhai Nest look best?
This print would hang well in any room in the house or bach. A bright contemporary kitchen might be my personal choice, as it’s where I like to stand and watch the tūī in the trees. It’s also a great print to brighten up a darker corner or hallway. Sometimes it’s just where you will find it that gives you the most joy. No rules.
For more of Holly Roach’s artwork, visit hollyroachart.com, and purchase a copy of the March 2026 issue of Your Home and Garden to collect your very own Kōwhai Nest art print.
Related articles:
- Year of Art: In conversation with illustrator Maria Francesca Melis, capturing Sardinian sunlight
- Year of Art: In the studio with Jessica Higueras
- Meet Alison Leauanae, the artist weaving heritage, memory and identity
