Audrey Pongracz is in art shows throughout Michigan and California and New York and then back again.  As Metro Times and Real Detroit (among others) have noticed, Audrey is a rising art star.  In true Michigander style, she works hard to hone her talent, which is apparent from her current work:  She is confident and in a groove. 

 She paints in a neo-pop fashion where highly stylized women are in surreal settings.  Her work is compelling in part because it is beautiful and disturbing at the same time.  More importantly, her work introduces you to a new world.  So I wanted to introduce you to Audrey.  This is my inaugural Artist Spotlight.  I asked Audrey to provide us with a look at her sketchbook, and I asked her to answer some questions so that you can get to know her better—enjoy!

thedetroiter.com: When did you start painting?

Audrey: I first used oil’s at 13.

thedetroiter.com: What style do you consider your work?

Audrey: I always have a hard time answering this question. Its really a mash-up of a lot of styles. When I first started painting back in my teens, it was all surreal work. Then I started to add women into it. And then the influence of pop culture and lowbrow art got tossed in there, plus my love for Classic art tries to sneak in. But all of my work is basically figurative with a surreal twist.

thedetroiter.com: Does beauty play a role in your work?

Audrey: Yes. Well at least the things I think are beautiful. Some will disagree of course.

thedetroiter.com: How have you developed as an artist over the last five years?

Audrey:Well before I started showing in galleries, which was about 5-6 years ago, I was only painting about 5 pieces a year. Now I usually paint around 30 a year, so I’m just constantly painting these days. With that you hone your style, process, and techniques. So it feels there has been a non-stop development in every aspect. I just try to learn everyday and make an effort to improve with every piece, and to create work that’s true to myself.

thedetroiter.com: What is your process?

Audrey:Most of the time it’s sketches first, with all colors and elements worked out. I need complete organization before I start to paint or I can’t concentrate. Music is almost too important in the process. It needs to fit in with what I’m doing, and once it stops I start to lose motivation. The painting process is working from back to front, in thin layers, about 6-7 usually. It takes around 3 weeks to finish a piece.

thedetroiter.com:What is the most difficult part about your process?

Audrey: I would have to say starting them. I hate the beginning stages. It’s so messy and feels chaotic.

thedetroiter.com: What inspires you?

Audrey: Inspiration always changes and can come from anywhere. But constant sources are Music, childhood, dreams, and the human condition.

thedetroiter.com: Who are your favorite Detroit area artists?

Audrey:I love Ron Zakrin’s work! I have one of his pieces in my bedroom and I just lay and stare at it about everyday. I have gotten to have shows with April Segedi, Mark Nischan, and Kill Taupe, love their work! And of course Glenn Barr is always a favorite.

thedetroiter.com: What’s next?
Audrey:My next 3 shows are: “Quentin vs Coen” group show, showing at Beyond Eden art fair in L.A., Oct 2nd, ” Reclaimed” group show at Rivers Edge Gallery in Wyandotte MI, Oct 21st, and “Bad Dad’s” a Wes Anderson inspired show, at Spoke Art in San Francisco, Oct 31st.

If you want to find out more about Audrey (and you should), click here