Today we’d like to introduce you to Becky Pollard.
Hi Becky, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve needed a creative outlet for as long as I can remember. School and homework felt long and tedious, but time flew by when I was given something to create. My interests varied from painting, photography, jewelry making, and fiber arts. After college, I was an interior designer for ten years. While being a designer is still a creative job, I missed the joy I felt while creating other visual art. I began seven | sixteen to maintain a creative outlet and unwind after a chaotic day. I began pursuing my art full-time three years ago. My preferred mediums have changed slightly over time, but the act of creating has remained constant. I created seven | sixteen to celebrate my love for creating and share my point of view with the world.
seven | sixteen focuses on paintings, fiber art, and textiles for the home. I create woven tapestries, bespoke throw pillows, acrylic paintings, fiber jewelry, and more. I’ve recently released a collection of custom wall hangings where I challenged myself to manipulate unconventional materials into delicate and luxurious weavings. I took inspiration from fashion houses and loved transforming traditionally rigid materials into fluid pieces. I’m also creating my following collection, a series of paintings on raw canvas that blends paint, beading, and fiber elements to create gorgeous mixed-media pieces. I can’t wait to share it with the world!
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has been challenging, but I always turn the bumps into learning opportunities. I’m extremely hard on myself and never think I’m doing enough, but I’ve focused on intentional work time and rest time this year. My biggest struggle is comparing myself and my business to others. I always find someone further along than me, and it can be discouraging on a bad day. I’ve been working on focusing on my success and only comparing myself to previous versions of myself. Getting lost in the rat race is easy, but taking a step back and seeing how far you have come is extremely gratifying.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
I am known for my heavily textured wall hangings and their organic designs. My art celebrates the inherent properties of materials, resulting in pieces that are as individual as the mediums I explore. My pieces are intended to bring a sense of character to your home and personal style by injecting warmth, texture, and color to style your space. I am most proud of pushing myself to do things when I feel unprepared. I wasn’t ready to launch my website, but I pushed myself to learn about it and, most importantly, hit publish. I wasn’t ready to leave my full-time job, but I found a way to make it happen. I love to learn and problem-solve, so staying curious has benefited me and my business.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Find people you admire, and don’t be afraid to reach out! Everyone remembers what it was like feeling alone and unsure, so they are always willing to give advice. It may feel scary and vulnerable to ask questions or ask someone to meet you for coffee, but it’s worth it. Stay humble and know you don’t know everything. It’s ok to ask for help.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shopsevensixteen.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_seven_sixteen/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@_sevensixteen
Image Credits
Brit Tucker-Kline
