Carrie Pollack is an Artist and Educator.
Teaching Philosophy
Young people are a vital part of society, with the ability to initiate meaningful change in the world. The arts can play an integral role in this process. As both an artist and educator, I encourage students to approach the world with an observant eye, to stay curious, to actively participate, and to find meaning through the work they create.
In the studio, I cultivate a stimulating and supportive environment where students are immersed in inquiry-driven, process-oriented strategies. The development of an idea is often a mysterious and unpredictable journey. I encourage students to embrace the unfamiliar, to experiment, to fail, to change course, to solve creative problems, and to discover new approaches. I strive to create a safe and inclusive space where students can explore diverse ideas and express themselves authentically. I aim to empower students to ask questions—whether they seem silly, confusing, heartfelt, strange, scary, or difficult. By challenging preconceived notions of what art-making looks and feels like, I encourage curiosity, imagination, and authentic self-expression.
My teaching practice intersects deeply with my own art practice. I understand the struggles students face when creating works of art, and I see myself as a partner and mentor on their journey. As a guide and resource, I support their development at every step.
Art has the power to cultivate students' skills, creativity, and critical thinking, helping them discover their unique voices. This holistic approach fosters connections across various disciplines, enhancing students’ understanding of the complexities of humanity and our global society. By engaging with art both inside and outside the studio, students can become active and conscious citizens, gaining a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Studio Practice
Carrie Pollack works at the nexus between photography, collage, printmaking, and digital media. Pollack has exhibited her work throughout the United States, as well as in Germany, Belgium, and Mexico. Pollack has exhibited at Minus Space, Jeff Bailey Gallery, BRIC Rotunda Gallery, Monya Rowe Gallery, and David Krut Projects, all in New York. She has also produced editions with Daily Operation in New York and Sonnenzimmer in Chicago, IL. Pollack has been awarded residencies at Yaddo, Jentel, Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, and Vermont Studio Center. She holds an MA in Art Education from NYU, an MFA from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, and a BFA from Alfred University, Alfred, NY.
Click here to see more of her work: cpollackstudio.com