Olivia Bennett
“My work has evolved dramatically over the last 28 years, but my passion for magnifying the natural world around us remains the same. I discovered early on, during my childhood cancer treatment how important it is to surround yourself with beautiful and inspiring images. Images, and colors all have a vibration, an energy, and it’s amazing when you understand this how it can shift the mood and feeling within your home and space. As an artist and an individual, I make a point to surround myself with the most life giving images, colors, decor, clothing, etc. As we as a society get farther and farther away from nature, my vision as an artist is to continue to highlight its beauty so that we can live with the reminder of the wonder of the natural world around us. For many years, my focus was on large individual works, with layers of beautifully blended colors in oil. My current series highlights the “Beauty in Simplicity”. I’m fascinated by the line, and enjoy pairing down an image to its simplest, yet most dramatic form. My series of large acrylic “sketches” in bold, amplified colors really highlight this and make for a statement in any home. My intention in life is to live authentically, embrace nature, and enjoy celebrating all of the beauty in simplicity in life! I hope my work brings you joy!” – Olivia
Olivia is an internationally recognized fine artist who found her artistic gift at age 5, while battling Leukemia. Olivia was diagnosed at a Kindergarten checkup and instead of starting school, she started chemotherapy. During this time, Olivia turned to her favorite pastime: coloring and painting. For 2 years, Olivia was isolated at home, undergoing treatment. As a young child who was so scared and couldn’t comprehend what was happening or why, painting became her emotional escape. It was through her artwork that she could get lost for hours, almost like a form of meditation. She focused on the most beautiful and uplifting images as intuitively she knew the profound importance of this in the healing process. What started as a passion and emotional escape soon turned into a her career.
Olivia sold her first painting at the age of 8 and was in awe that someone wanted to purchase a piece of her art. This led to Olivia touring and selling her work at local art shows around Texas. At age 12, Olivia received national attention after her meeting with President Bush to share her 9/11 tribute painting: Let Freedom Bloom. This was followed by a guest appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show. At 13, she was named, “One of 20 Teens Who Will Change the World” along with Michael Phelps and Kelly Osbourne by Teen People Magazine for her entrepreneurial and philanthropic work.
Olivia continued to travel and sell her work at shows and in gallery exhibits. At the age of 14, she self funded and opened the Olivia Bennett Art Gallery in Southlake, TX. Olivia successfully owned and operated her gallery for many years. She opted to homeschool through her teen years and spent much of her time traveling, especially Europe. She often went solo as she couldn’t find friends or family who had the time or means to travel. The dramatic culture shock left a profound impact on her and inspired her to relocate her studio to an inspirational setting within the US, (Newport Beach, California).
Olivia has spent the last 20 years touring, speaking, painting live, and creating commissioned artwork for collectors, hospitality, designers and commercial properties. Her artwork is on display in many public places and private collections globally.
Her work and story are featured in several books, including her artwork in a book by Lisa Young of Fellowship Church, Flavour Your Day. Her story was also featured in Mark Victor Hansen’s (co-author of the Chicken Soup series) book, The Richest Kids In America and her coffee table book, A Life in Full Bloom and many more.
Olivia is very involved in cause awareness and fundraising and has raised hundreds of thousands for local and national charities and nonprofits. She hopes to use her art to inspire others and make the world a more beautiful place. In January 2022, Olivia launched the OLIVIA BENNETT Collection with Twisted X. Her line is one of the first sustainable women’s footwear collections in the Western footwear space! Now 35, Olivia splits her time between Texas and Southern California with her husband/ business manager John, and son Graham. For the most up to date information, check out her FB or Instagram
