Meet Patrick Pollard

Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrick Pollard.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve been making art my whole life. Drawing and painting always came naturally to me. As a kid, I would always tune right into the cool art that was around me. I was obsessed with comics, cartoons, toys, and later, skateboard art, graffiti, album covers, and band t-shirts. The artwork was always what drew me in the most. I drew constantly as a kid, and as an adult come to think of it.

I graduated UMASS Lowell in 2001 with a BFA in painting, and I starting trying to show my work the second I graduated. I would bring my little portfolio to coffee shops, restaurants, bars, anywhere that would let me hang some paintings. I worked as a curator for an art space in Lowell for a few years, and I really loved the energy of being around other artists. I loved being able to see the exhibition process from beginning to end, and how excited artists would be to show and talk about their work. Soon after that, I fell into teaching. I’ve been a public school art teacher for the last twelve years, and I absolutely love it. I love watching kids take creative risks, problem-solve, and make awesome art. When I tell people I’m an art teacher, they almost always say, “That must be so much fun!”, and the truth is – it totally IS!

I’ve been making, exhibiting, and selling my artwork for close to twenty years. I’ve always gotten such great feedback from people, and that’s the best part. My work is accessible to everyone, and I love connecting with people through my drawings and paintings. Art-making has made me some of my greatest friends in life.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
“Smooth road” is such an understatement! I have been very fortunate to have had an extremely smooth road. My parents were super supportive of my art from the beginning. I come from a big family, and we are all very close. Even from the beginning, I felt like I had a built-in cheering section. As I said, I’ve been doing this for almost twenty years, and I don’t think my family has missed one opening or event. I know how lucky I am to have such a strong support system, but I honestly have never known anything else. Most of my friends have been artists as well, and they have always been super supportive as well. If someone got an opportunity early on, they were always eager to include me, or hype me up to the right people.

If I get a show in a really cool spot, it’s probably because someone recommended me for it, or introduced me to someone who made it happen. My life as an artist has been a long cycle of shared opportunity. I always try to pay that forward, too. If I have a successful show, I always try to leave the door open for as many artists as I know to get a chance. Again, I realize how lucky I am, but it’s honestly all I’ve ever known.

Please tell us about your artwork.
I make paintings and drawings. Visually, they are always figurative in nature, we usually refer to them as “my people”, or “my characters” or even “my little guys.” I’m fascinated by the visual artifacts and evidence of culture. Tools, costumes, rituals, and objects that appear to serve a cultural purpose. These figures have a history, a collective identity. They allude to a narrative. I’ve never really gotten around to fleshing out that narrative, but I’ve gone so far with the imagery that it would seem forced or contrived at this point. I’m okay with that, though. It gives my figures another layer of curiosity and makes them more engaging. Who are they? What are they doing? What is their story? These questions give the viewer a concrete access point to explore my artwork in a way that makes it instantly personal to them.

Probably another thing I’m known for is my pricing. My artwork is not expensive. I’ve always felt strongly that art should be affordable and available to everyone, and I rarely price a painting over one hundred dollars. People – regular people like you and me – should be able to experience original artwork. We pay ten bucks to see a band or twenty to see a play or a show. Visual art should be just as accessible, I believe. We should all be able to collect original art.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Oh man. I’m not sure because I still feel like I’m in the middle of it. My whole childhood was pretty awesome.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @patrickpollardartworks

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