Meet the artist behind our Black joy identity

The dramatic cartoon faces in Meg ‘Pie’ Pollard’s work blend childhood cartoons with sophisticated subject matter. The Tennessee native predominantly works across acrylic paint and digital mediums. Inspired by self-expression and an array of popular Pixar movies and cartoons, each of Pollard’s characters ‘has their own story and style with beaming colours and funny expressions’. 

In addition to characters, swirl motifs frequent the multi-media artist’s work. ‘The swirls are something I would see as a child,’ Pollard tells us. ‘They’ve stuck with me ever since. Depicting and sharing them with others feels cathartic.’ 

Read on to hear more from the artist.

How did you get started as an artist?
‘Since the age of three I’ve had a notepad in hand; I was always painting and drawing.’ 
 
What are your favourite mediums? 
‘Acrylic paint and spray paint.’
 
Do you ever switch up mediums? 
‘Yes, I love playing with clay. I also use charcoal, chalk, and pastels.’ 
 
Where do you draw inspiration from? 
‘A multitude of places. My family and friends, for one. The ability to play; my imagination and daydreams. The 1970s and 1990s, and women rappers in the 1990s. Good music, specifically any blues or jazz. I often dance for a good hour before I paint. Different films inspire me, too, and cartoons, of course. Any Studio Ghibli movies or Disney and Pixar film gets me thinking. The Proud Family, Hey Arnold!, Dexter’s Laboratory, Flapjack, Courage The Cowardly Dog, and Looney Tunes; being in a cartoon world made me want to create a world of my own. Joyful love and cartoons are what drives me.’

How is Black joy infused in your work? 
‘By the happiness I feel when I’m painting and the love I give to myself and others.’ 
 
How does the city of Nashville influence your work?
‘The community, the artists and the support of Nashville is what influences my work. Everyone’s on a mission of self-expression here. We all work together to help each other succeed.’

Where do you want to see your work grow?
‘I want my work to be everywhere. I aim to inspire and spark joy.’