Dia Teens Interview: Jolisa Podolsky

Photo: Andreas Laszlo Konrath

By Andreas Laszlo Konrath
Artist educator, Dia Teens, Dia Beacon

Since beginning my role as artist educator for the Dia Teens program and having the enormous privilege of acting as a creative ally to the participants, I not only have my socks knocked off on the regular by their amazing minds and ideas, but I also feel like I am being nourished by them and the work they create in ways I never imagined.

I have now spent over a year working alongside Jolisa Podolsky. Throughout this difficult year and the transition to online sessions during the pandemic, Jolisa and the other teens in the program have created a community for each other built on care, creative exchange, and mutual respect and support. Below is a brief conversation Jolisa and I had about her experience and practice as an artist within and beyond Dia Teens.

Do you remember that special moment when you decided you wanted to be an artist?

When I was in fifth grade, my family and I were walking through Chester, New York, and I saw a bunch of windows painted for the holidays. When I found out students in my school made them, I was completely fascinated and began to take a more passionate interest in art.  

How has being part of Dia Teens affected the way you approach your art practice?

The Dia Teens program taught me to think outside of the box and to be more open to different approaches to art. It has allowed me to come out more as a person and to create new friendships, which was something I used to struggle with. Each session is a new challenge I look forward to. As I continue, I am learning how to think quickly on my feet when something is thrown at me.

Proposed mural by Jolisa (@jojo_inks). Photo: Jolisa Podolsky

You recently applied to a competition to design a mural—can you explain what you were inspired by and why you chose to create this for your submission?

The competition I’m in was started in October by Peter Olsen, an Orange County artist. After submitting a portfolio for it, my work was chosen, and my family was really proud of me. It was one of the first times I’ve left my comfort zone as I still struggle with putting my art out for the public to see.

Color is the inspiration behind my mural. When I create a new painting, I look for bold colors that stick out in unique ways. My mural represents my outlook on 2020 and how we are pushing through each day by keeping each other safe and protected.

As a young, inspiring, and extremely productive person with big ambitions, do you have any advice for fellow teens in the world hoping to explore their own art more?

Advice that I have always followed is to take your time and trust the process. I’ve been tempted many times to give up because I looked down on my art. Looking back now, I’m glad I continued because whenever I don’t feel confident, I remember all of the progress I have made. Art isn’t something that comes naturally, it also isn’t supposed to be rushed. Take your time and trust the process.

Artwork created by Jolisa for Dia Teens. Photo: Jolisa Podolsky

Andreas Laszlo Konrath was born in 1981 in London, England. He is a photographer, zine-maker, publisher, and artist educator. His photographs have been published in the New Yorker, Rolling Stone, W, Wall Street Journal, and others. Andreas is the current artist educator for the Dia Teens program at Dia Beacon.