A luxury textile designer operating under her eponymous brand, Jane Pollak produces one-of-a-kind textiles, pillows and wall pieces for interior designers, collectors and connoisseurs. Pollak was born in Columbus, OH, and grew up in White Plains, NY from the age of 6. Her parents identified her as the artist in the family at an early age and supported her choice of Studio Art as a major at Mount Holyoke College along with her decision to earn a master’s degree in Art Education at Columbia University Teachers College. Teaching high school art, Pollak learned the craft of Ukrainian Easter egg decorating which defined her entrepreneurial journey over the next 30 years. During the onset of the 202 pandemic, she began a new journey working in fabrics. Take a look at Pollak’s inspiring designs in today’s Maker Monday.
During the early months of the 2020 lockdown, Jane Pollak embraced the craft of Penny Rugs, creating dozens of pieces and showcasing her work during every Zoom call to rave reviews. This passion led her to open an Etsy Shop and accept commissions for her custom designs.
Andrew Joseph: What is the last book you read?
Jane Pollak: The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride.
AJ: What are three words to describe where you live?
JP: World’s Greatest City (NYC, in case there was any question).
AJ: How would you describe your personal style?
JP: Horror Vacui – fear of empty spaces.
Jane Pollak’s love for textiles began in the 70s with patchwork quilts and Ukrainian Easter eggs. Rediscovering this passion in 2020, she transitioned from cotton to wool, blending traditional techniques with her unique artistic vision.
AJ: Best advice you’d give your teenage self?
JP: Lighten up.
AJ: What are some of the podcasts you listen to and why?
JP: Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend – It makes me laugh and forget about the rest of the world
WTF – Marc Maron is an amazing interviewer, self-revealing and as intriguing as his guests
A Little Bit Culty – to be sure I don’t get caught up in one.
Based in New York City, Jane Pollak thrives as the founder of JANE POLLAK, creating unique textile pieces for designers and collectors while balancing her long-standing coaching practice for women entrepreneurs.
AJ: What are three binge-worthy TV shows/Movies that you’ve been watching?
JP: Hacks, Quiet on the Set, A Place to Call Home, Inventing Anna, Succession, Phantom Thread (after seeing Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris – Lesley Manville is amazing!).
AJ: What’s your morning routine?
JP: Wake up between 5-6am, meditate (TM), read something spiritually uplifting, do Wordle and Spelling Bee, get on my knees to pray, and have breakfast.
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