When you hear Mijiza Holiday speak about art, you realize she’s an artist in every sense of the word. She sees art in just about everything — even wood.
Only an artist would think to use wood as a canvas instead of fabric. Initially, the decision came from necessity, but it worked so well that Holiday, 63, stuck with it and is known for her art on wood.
“I couldn’t afford canvas at that time, and I just had a piece of found wood,” Holiday said. “I was compelled — you know how artists are — we have to do our thing. I loved the way the wood received the pigment. It was a picture in itself. Then when you add your idea to it, I just loved the combination. It’s all natural.”
While it may seem odd to choose wood as a canvas, it makes perfect sense for Holiday. Trees are her favorite plant, invoking fond memories of childhood.
“It was my refuge when I was a kid,” Holiday said. “I loved climbing trees when things weren’t right down on earth. Trees provided apples, cherries and pears, and trees provided shade when I was hot and didn’t want to go back in the house ‘cause I might have to stay. And when I wanted to be alone, everybody’s looking for you, they don’t even think to look up there.”
Holiday isn’t just a visual artist, she’s a poet, actress, dancer and writer. She’s written three plays. IndyFringe Fest featured one of her plays, “The Quilting” about domestic violence, last year.
“I’m a strong believer that I’m a channel and the ancestors work through me,” Holiday said. “I always try to use whatever channel to work through me to help heal, inspire and educate. I hope my work continues to do that. I hope that I can especially inspire younger people.”
The Holiday name is synonymous with art in the Indianapolis art scene as her father, Joseph, was known for artwork, especially his Black Jesus paintings.
“He was ahead of his time,” Holiday said of her late father. “He was militant in his thinking. He was definitely pro Black.”
Local artist, Anthony Bradford, who met Holiday through her father, has watched her evolve as an artist, noting she creates amazing denim purses.
“Every time I look up she was doing something different,” Bradford said. Both he and Holiday were members of the artist collective Indy Renaissance in the ‘90s. “She never stays the same, always something new.”
Contact Editor Oseye Boyd at 317-762-7850. Follow her on Twitter @oseye_boyd.
Meet the artist
Mijiza Holiday’s art will be featured in upcoming events.
Sankofa, 6-9 p.m. Sept. 7 at Landmarks, 1201 Central Ave.
Artist in the Garden, 3-8 p.m. Sept. 16 at Holiday’s studio, 3001 N. New Jersey St.
