Each month, we are privileged to work with artists from all over the world. Their unique styles and points of view make for an especially diverse world inspiration in the art that arrives in our monthly Holstee Membership. From Los Angeles, California to Barcelona, Spain and everywhere in between, each piece of art is a true collector's piece. View past subscription art here. 

This month, we're thrilled to work with artist, illustrator, writer, and all around great human Mari Andrew who created our February art. She shares a little about her life, process, and work. 

H: Where is home for you?

M: Now it’s New York City! Such a dream for me — I’ve always wanted to live here and it’s as blissful as I imagined.

H: What was the inspiration or thought behind this illustration?

M: I drew this in mind as an intention for romantic love, but it works just as well for any other type of love. I remember dating a few people who either made me feel like I needed to hide parts of myself or be less “shiny,” or made me feel like they didn’t really need or appreciate what I had to offer. In hindsight, that’s perfectly fine; we can’t all need each other! But now I intentionally go into any relationship assessing if there’s space for mutual appreciation/adoration and also growth. How do we benefit each other? What can we learn from each other? What do we both bring to this partnership?

H. Each month we like to ask our artists one discussion question from our monthly guides. Here’s one from our February Kinship Guide: What qualities or traits do you look for in a true friend?

M: I look for empathy and compassion, first and foremost. Mostly because I want to be a more compassionate and empathetic person so I secretly hope it rubs off on me! But I also am drawn to people who are always seeking out more fun, joy, and adventure in the world. I love anyone with strong joie de vivre and anyone who is super engaged with their surroundings, always wanting to try new things and talk to new people. I’m such a sponge and absorb the energy of people around me, so I love being around energetic and engaging people.

H: What is your definition of a successful life?

M: The metric of success is constantly changing for me, but the people whose lives I admire most have a lot of experiences and stories and ways they’ve positively influenced others. They are people who may have experienced a lot of setbacks but seek out fun and beauty and kindness nonetheless.

H: What's your dream project?

M: I am dying to have my art on a New York City subway! That would be such a win for my 10-year-old self.

H: Which artists, writers, or thinkers influence or inspire you (or any favorites right now 😉)?

M: Immediately coming to mind: Maira Kalman, Amy Krouse Rosenthal, Jonny Sun, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ashley C Ford, Nina Simone, Keith Haring. 

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Thanks to Mari for sharing her work and a little piece of her life with us. You can see what she's up to most days on her Instagram @bymariandrew (a team favorite!), and join us in looking forward to her upcoming book coming out later this year. We genuinely can't wait! ❤️