We were lucky to catch up with Lara Polachek recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lara, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The majority of the projects that I am tasked with are for people’s homes. I love to create abstract works to fill walls with memories of favorite places or colors and compositions that bring a sense of calm and peace to a space. Last year, however, I was asked by one of the largest real estate development firms in the Western United States, The Boyer Company, to create three very large pieces for a beautiful new office building in Tempe- 2100 Rio Salado Parkway, adjacent to the Tempe Marketplace. I remember walking the building and reveling the beautiful modern architecture and clean design. I was asked to create pieces for the foyer. The space itself was almost like a blank canvas that would be adorned by the pieces. I wanted to create a vibrant color palette that would bring an aesthetic energy, complimenting the hustle and bustle of the busy building.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am an acrylic and resin artist, based in Scottsdale, AZ. I love to create abstract artwork through my mediums for clients’ homes and offices to evoke a particular feeling. I pour epoxy resin on various types of wood for home decor and love to paint abstract compositions, landscapes or places to commemorate a special memory. I am always inspired by nature and gravitate towards creating with colors of the earth; land, sky and ocean. My work can be found on my website and locally at Urbana, Stephanie’s and Treillage in the Scottsdale Marketplace.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I very often have people comment that they wish they were more creative or had more artistic ability. I always try to reassure that there is so much joy in the actual process of creating and not necessarily in an end product or outcome. The simple act of of mixing paint, dipping a brush in what feels like cake icing and applying to a canvas can, in itself, feel meditative and calming, no matter what the result. Taking time to not think of anything but the colors and textures that fall onto an art piece feels therapeutic and simply good for the soul. I think it’s important not to put pressure on what will be created, but rather enjoy the slow, methodical steps of the process.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Supporting artists is much like supporting any small, local business. There is such gratification in supporting a small, local, bakery, flower shop, jewelry maker or anyone honing a craft and spending their time, energy and life’s work doing or creating something they are passionate about. Supporting small businesses should be something we all make a very conscience decision to do regularly.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.larapolachek.com
• Instagram: @lpolachekartwork

Image Credits
Heather Kinkel Photography