Today we’d like to introduce you to Adrianne Hawthorne.
Adrianne, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I’ve been creative since I was a kid but as I grew older, I translated my creativity into a career as a graphic designer. Three years ago, I got my dream job at Google as a UX designer and I moved from Chicago to San Francisco for the role. Even though I learned a lot about design and myself, I discovered that Google (or any big corporation, for that matter) just wasn’t the right fit. I felt stifled and started to dress in wild prints and crazy colors just to feed my creative spirit.
I left Google and came back to Chicago last fall with no plan for my career. I enrolled in several art classes and simply tried to get the creativity that lived inside out as quickly as possible. I started painting and using bold color to express myself. This whole experience has been eye opening. I’m on a journey for sure, with no clear idea where I’m going, but when I’m creating work…that’s what feels right.
Ponnopozz is my creative resurgence. I named it after two imaginary friends I had as a kid, “Ponno” and “Pozzer.” I want to get back to that raw, creative spirit that my younger self had. Ponnopozz is my place for that.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I’ve dabbled in a bit of everything but most often I paint in acrylics on canvas. I love color and it’s the basis of every piece I create. I begin by creating a color story, usually with a series of swatches that I paint in a sketchbook. Then, I translate that color scheme to a painting. I love painting plants, both desert dwellers (like cacti) to indoor houseplants. I give all my plant paintings names and usually an accompanying story of their “life.” I’m a quirky person and this is one of the ways I express that.
I hope that people feel uplifted when they look at my work. I use lots of vibrant color, pattern and sometimes fabric in my pieces and I’d like for people to feel the urge to express their true selves. We are all pretending at various points in our days, our lives. My work represents my authentic self, right now. I hope it inspires others to strive for their own authenticity.
In your view, what is the biggest issue artists have to deal with?
Social media. While it’s an excellent marketing tool, it can also kill confidence and authenticity. I love using Instagram to get inspired by others’ work, but sometimes I get super overwhelmed by what I see and feelings of doubt creep in. Like, I’m not good enough or maybe my style changes a bit to fit in with other successful artists I see. Or, maybe my recent post gets no likes. Or maybe I don’t have any followers. Or maybe I see a negative comment. Things like that can be challenging to overcome.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I’m actually hosting an art show next month in my currently empty studio apartment. I moved this month and the leases overlapped so I figured – what better way to celebrate this year of art making then to do a gallery show in my old unit? It’s a bit illegitimate-feeling but should be a blast. Anyone can come -the event is September 22 from 6-10pm at 4851 N Damen Avenue, #215. There will be signs to guide you.
All my recent works will be on display at the show, but if that’s not do-able, I also share new pieces all the time via Instagram (@ponnopozz is my handle). I’m working on a new online shop where folks can order prints of my work if interested, but for now, Instagram is the best way to reach me.
Contact Info:
- Website: adriannehawthorne.com
- Email: hey@ponnopozz.com
- Instagram: @ponnopozz
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/events/2066934383624175?ref=m_notif¬if_t=admin_plan_mall_activity
Image Credit:
Adrianne Hawthorne, Nicole Brocato
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