Conversations with Adrianne Hawthorne

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Adrianne Hawthorne.

Adrianne, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always been a creative person. As a child, I sketched in notebooks, directed elaborate plays, and dressed in my own mismatched but always funky outfits. As I grew older, I lost a lot of myself in order to fit in, whether in school or a corporate job. In 2018, I was in between jobs and decided to nurture my creative side, which had been somewhat buried.

I began painting, and things took off from there. I hosted an art show in my old apartment and in a moving truck. I rented my first storefront and moved into a larger storefront two years later. I’ve done numerous craft shows and met so many new people. I called my business Ponnopozz after Ponno and Pozzer, two imaginary friends I had as a kid. My plan for myself is to grow creatively through this business, much like I used to do in childhood.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely not. I have had lots of self-doubt battles. I’m not trained formally in art, so I’ve questioned if I’m even considered an artist. Additionally, the years following the pandemic have been challenging in terms of sales.

I’ve had to learn to do more with less and to budget and prepare financially in ways I hadn’t had to before. Often, I stress about whether it’s worth it to have this business and if I’d feel better without it. I remind myself how important it is to have a creative outlet, and I talk myself off the ledge. Owning a business and creating art is NOT easy!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I create paintings and repeat fabric designs. My paintings are typically on canvas or paper, and I use acrylic and gouache. My repeat patterns are drawn using Procreate on my iPad. I’ve become known for my excessive and vibrant use of color. Color inspires me with everything I do – it is the basis for which I live. I see color palettes in my head all of the time. Color is the most important thing to me when it comes to interior decorating or purchasing a car.

I’m proud of my ability to grow over the years and translate my colorful, abstract style beyond the canvas – specifically into an award-winning mural in Ravenswood. Ultimately, what sets me apart is the fact that I try to have fun and not take myself too seriously. I also believe in fostering community creativity through workshops and knowledge sharing, so I host events at my shop as well.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
I don’t have one in particular. It’s more of a collection of memories. I grew up in an old Victorian home out in the suburbs. I remember playing outside in the yard with my sister throughout all four seasons, with especially vivid memories in spring and fall.

Those memories are my favorite because nothing noteworthy happened. It’s all about the feeling I get when I remember those times – a feeling of safety, independence, awe, and wonder at all the world has to offer.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ponnopozz.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/ponnopozz
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ponnopozz

Image Credits
Amy Lynn Straub and Gabby Jones