Meet Polly Shindler | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Polly Shindler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Polly, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
I think I’m impulsive. I don’t overthink when I’m making work. I go very much by instinct and I work quickly. I rarely stop to wonder what it is I’m trying to accomplish. I think that making things gets me out of my own head and in doing so, frees me to concentrate fully on my work. And I rarely walk away. I’m stubborn and seldom abandon a project. I put my head down and somehow manage not to worry about outcomes. I pivot a lot. When I’m feeling dull in one area, I move to another but always go back. I can take a break from painting and switch over to 3D mode and begin a paper mache or sewing project. My ideas keep flowing if I can divorce them from a specific medium. Then I can start another in whatever discipline I am interested in. I don’t make myself sit in a room I don’t want to be in. I work everyday, but the work changes depending on where the creativity lies for that day, week, month. That mindset keeps me busy.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I was younger and thinking about my future plans I was always conflicted. I tried many things but nothing stuck like art. I think I was avoiding the life of an artist. At some point though I realized it was probably the thing I would work towards most consistently. I am mostly self-taught so I think my style was niche. I had early supporters who made me feel confident that art was a reasonable path. I feel so lucky to have had these cheerleaders in my ear. Without them I am not sure I would have gone so hard at this career. The work itself is a challenge itself so the encouragement was priceless. There are so many folks that I owe my art career to. If it were up to my own inner voice I’m sure I wouldn’t have the life I have now. Negative self talk is real and I fight hard through it. Keeping the friendly voices close is essential. Teaching myself new skills and starting novel projects is key in my practice. It keeps my ideas fresh, my mind moving and it satisfies my need to make new things.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The area I live in currently, Millerton, NY is about 2 hours north of NYC. It is incredibly beautiful here. I sometimes have to pull over on the road to really get the whole view. I’m inspired all the time. I would bring any visitor to look at antiques and window-shop on Main St. There are incredible art shows in the 7 story mill at the Wassaic Project and a very vibrant art community there due to residency participants as well as transplants from the city. Local galleries have busy openings: Geary Contemporary, Standard Space, Kenise Barnes. Anyone around here knows about the Lantern, the only tavern I know of in Wassaic. It’s a cozy restaurant and bar where everyone knows your name and the food and drink are excellent. Their backyard is the place to be in the summer. I also love to kick around Troutbeck with my dog and explore the grounds. Every coffee, glass of wine, cheese plate at Troutbeck feels like a treat. At the popular chain Four Brothers in Amenia, there is a drive-in theater. There is a local group called the Boondocks Society that does screenings at various locations with themed snacks and drinks. I just had my first dinner at Stissing House in Pine Plains and it was outstanding.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many that I owe a shout out to. But the first and most consistent cheerleader in my career has to be Will Hutnick. He is a former classmate, studio mate and curator. Even as a supporter, he remains objective and he is always available with great advice. He has always pushed me to be better, to take good care of my work and to take myself more seriously. A dedicated and busy painter himself, he has always boosted the career of other artists. 

Website: pollyshindlerpainting.com

Instagram: @pollyshindler

Other: cottagecourses.com

Image Credits
Natalie Baxter (for my portrait only)