| Issue #50, March 23, 2007 |
Honoring the Artist: Daniel Pollera
by Marion Wolberg Weiss
If ever there was anyone who believed in the power of positive thinking, it’s this week’s cover artist, Daniel Pollera. Not only are his artworks indicative of this philosophy (we dare you not to smile after looking at the cover painting ), his daily interactions with friends, business associates and his family in particular also convey that message.
Not only do family members make Mr. Pollera’s world go ‘round, they also play an active part in his life, as the following conversation shows.
Q: I know your family is very close, but there was a time when you were not happy working in the family business. So you left after 20 years. I assume you found your calling in creating art.
A: Yes. I will be doing this until the day I die. I’m addicted to it. I couldn’t stop painting if I wanted to.
Q: I know you get your inspiration from local scenes, images you put together and from experiences you have when you take your boat (and dog) out on the water. But your latest piece comes from someplace different.
A: I dreamt that I saw a boat in the dune grass. It appeared like a raw, tender old wooden dingy against the dark blue sky. It was so pristine and real to me. I made calls to find someone who had a dingy; I finally found someone in Sayville. You know, Paul McCartney got the idea for his song, “Yesterday,” from a dream.
Q: Objects, like the chairs on the beach or on a porch, play a big part in your paintings. I think the boat you dreamt about, which you call a “pram” or baby boat, is very much like your chairs.
A: Yes, I see that. They both represent a comfort zone where we can feel secure.
Q: The objects’ shapes also surround a person. But there are other feelings the viewer gets from your paintings, too.
A: Yes. I got an e-mail from a woman in Tennessee who thanked me for bringing the beach to her. I love to get messages like that. I want to recreate what I’m experiencing, like when I’m by myself on the boat. My favorite time of day is the afternoon, around 2 p.m. There’s a sense of intimacy. I’m listening to the wind blowing, watching the sun; I’m in heaven.
Q: During this conversation, I couldn’t help but notice that you took three personal calls. One call was from your sister, Melissa, another from your wife, Nancy, and the last call was from your mother. They are never far from you, literally or figuratively. That’s a good thing.
A: I have a daughter, Valerie, who is at college in Pennsylvania and is hoping to get an internship in Washington, D.C. My son, Danny, lives at home and is going to school for civil engineering. My mother, who has not been well, lives with us and we take care of her.
Q: Does your family get involved in your painting at all?
A: My wife gives me suggestions. She’ll say, “Those clouds bother me.” A lot of times she’s right.
Q: If you could have changed anything in your life, what would it be?
A: Nothing. Like I said, I’m in heaven.
Mr. Pollera’s work can be seen at the Chrysalis Gallery in Southampton and on his website: danielpollera.com
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