We had the good fortune of connecting with Lara Polachek and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lara, what are you inspired by?
The first thing that comes to mind is music. I am always listening to music when I paint and without it have a hard time finding my rhythm. I have an eclectic taste in genres but gravitate towards Acoustic Songwriters and Indie Rock. Right now I have Hozier, Mumford & Sons and Vance Joy on repeat. Also love a good country record and am typically listening to the Highway when I’m in the car. I’m also definitely inspired by other artists. Those who work in my mediums and other forms of art, as well. I love following the acrylic work of Patricia Qualls in Carmel, California, I also am inspired by a number of architects, interior decorators, and fashion designers. I definitely find myself gravitating towards artists who are influenced by nature.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I work with acrylic paint and epoxy resin. My work is almost exclusively abstract and I tend to gravitate towards more muted color arrangements. I paint on canvas for homes and commercial spaces and also pour resin on woodwork such as such as serving trays, cutting boards and furniture pieces.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We are so lucky to have so many options for excellent culinary experiences, bars, nightlife and beautiful weather including the most stunning Arizona sunsets. My favorite breakfast spot is the Henry for their quinoa breakfast burrito and Bloody Mary’s. If I had a friend visiting we’d grab manis and pedis at the Camelback Inn and would have happy hour on site at Rita’s, enjoying their live music on one of the best patios in town. For dinner, we’d head to Mastro’s City Hall and belly up at the bar for oysters, wedge salad, filet, and dirty vodka martinis. The butter cake is arguably the best dessert in town! Sunday morning we’d need a respectable detox and would head to the Madison for the Sunday morning hip hop yoga flow with Harmony. We’d grab a Kaleidoscope Immortal Machine smoothie and would find some relaxation by the pool at the Sanctuary Resort on Camelback Mountain. That night we’d enjoy the beautiful sunset and views from their bar, Elements, and the infamous Cantaloupe Martini. I’d introduce my friend to some of the best shopping in town, starting with Stephanie’s in Scottsdale; the best curated assortment of women’s clothing, shoes & accessories all by independent designers. We’d grab gifts for the kids at The Garage in Old Town Scottsdale and would go to one of my favorite shops, Urbana, for fun entertaining and bar accessories for our husbands. Other favorite restaurants include breakfasts at Richardson’s, La Grande Orange and Prep & Pastry, lunches at Hillstone, Joyride Taco House and Pitch, happy hours at Postinos (best bruschetta & wine program), Ingo’s Tasty Food (best Greyhound), Blanco Tacos & Tequila (best skinny margarita), Royal Palms (beautiful patio and delicious prosecco) and dinners at North Italia, Frank & Lupes and Flint by Baltaire. I would definitely take my friend to see some live music at The Van Buren, the beautiful gardens at The Botanical Garden (where my mom is a volunteer) and a few days at the Enchantment Resort in Sedona to hike and enjoy their world renowned spa, Mii amo. I’m pretty sure my friend wouldn’t want to leave!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband and children are my biggest cheerleaders and supporters. My parents have always encouraged me to pursue my artwork and are an endless means of emotional support in all of the ups and downs.

Website: www.larapolachek.com
Instagram: @lpolachekartwork