Honoring the Artist:

Daniel Pollera

No matter how many times and under what circumstances we've talked with cover artist Daniel Pollera over the years, he has always had an interesting experience or project to relay. In a nutshell, Mr. Pollera's zest for living has never diminished. The following conversation is another case-in-point.

Q: You've been away. Tell us about that.

A: We just got back from Nantucket. I had never been there, and wow. How beautiful: the landscapes, lighthouse, the porches. It almost looks like Africa; the vegetation has been cut down so hawks could get to the rodents, which are harmful. I took over 200 pictures. The island gets a lot of fog, so it's hard to get in and out. But once you do, it's Paradise.

Q: One of your signature subjects are porches. How did they differ in Nantucket from what you're used to?

A: We saw houses on the Atlantic Ocean side. First, the material is different from our area. Most of them are white cedar perfection shakes. They turn silver grey after weathering. Second, the houses there seem better groomed. Also, the style on Block Island, for example, where I also paint, has more Victorian residences.

Q: Have you started thinking about what kind of paintings you will be doing about Nantucket?

A: I won't start until the winter. In the meantime, I want to gather it all in, capture the images, then paint it. I want to digest the experience.

Q: You seem drawn to the whole "aura" of the coast, to use your words. And in past interviews you've talked about your love of the water and the peace it brings you. How did that passion play a part in this week's cover, "Salt Marsh Sunset?"

A: The scene is Long Island's south shore in late fall. I found the setting when I took my boat out with my dog, Amber. It's one of my favorite things to do. I'm alone on the water with my dog, who, by the way is quite aggressive. She's like a lab; the dog has no fear.

Q: How really important is the water to you?

A: I'm addicted to water. It's the emotional anchor in my paintings. My heart is so much in the water.

Q: How about painting in general? How does that make you feel?

A: Painting as a whole keeps me emotionally stable as well. When I really get into painting, a switch flips off. When I've painted for a few hours and walk away, I feel I've really accomplished something. I feel good as a result.

Q: You mentioned "a switch flips off." That's like being in alpha state, an altered state that people, especially artists, experience.

A: Yes, that's similar to the time I complained to an artist that it was tedious for me to do all those details of waves; that it was a chore. And she said, "It wasn't tedious but meditative."

Q: She was right. What's the ultimate feeling or experience you want to have when you finish a work?

A: Well, once I would finish the waves, I want to say it was worth the effort. Once I finish a work, I want to make it better the next time.

- Marion Wolberg Weiss

Mr. Pollera's work can be seen anytime at Southampton's Chrysalis Gallery. He will have an exhibit there starting Sept 8, through September.

Back to Contents