#TMITuesday: 10 Questions With Artist/Heavy Meta Designer Marie Poliak

It’s to the surprise of no one at all as I continue to ramble on about the Toronto art car community with Burning Man creeping up on me at an alarming but totally normal time rate that I introduce this week’s feature. A friend for years, a babe forever, and an inspiration to never give up on art, I had the pleasure of chatting with Marie Poliak. Even with the hard job as the mother of a 19ft tall and 30 ft wide dragon child Poliak took the time to chat with me about art, the latest crowdfunding campaign for Heavy Meta, and Prodigy came up because it’s Marie y’all. Let’s dive right into this all new #TMITuesday interview yeah?

1. Heavy Meta has made many stops during the tour, what has been the most memorable thus far?

Aside from the Burn, the most satisfying appearance was our 6-week engagement with the Toronto Light Fest. Our friends and neighbors could come and see what our community put together, experience the dragon and fire arts performers in an accessible setting right in our own backyard, free of charge! 

2. The second IndieGoGo campaign recently began, what are some of the upgrades and essentials the dragon needs?

Aside from upgrades which include new wings and lighting system, there’s a lot of wear and tear that happens over the course of travel. One of our biggest needs this year is a new generator. That and a much bigger disco ball heart! 

3. Since today is #TMITuesday is there something you can tell the readers about you that they may not already be aware of?

People are often surprised when I tell them I was born on the other side of the planet. I wore a white faux fur coat when I first stepped on Canadian soil at the age of 5 and I don’t think I ever grew out of that look.

4. Working in a shared space (The 4tress) allows for many people of many creative and skilled backgrounds to come together. This is one of the reasons so believe shared spaces are so important. What are some of the skills you have learned from others and the shop and what do you offer to the space?

The most recent skill I gained is riveting! Thanks to Jackie Spade and Matt Von Wilde. I think one of my skills is passing on information. If I can learn to do it, there’s nothing to it. You can learn to do it too!

5. What is your ultimate goal for Heavy Meta and the Toronto art car community?

The beauty of art cars is mobility. Once we have a bunch of these big mobile creations, we pick a place, set up, and create a new world for each other to play in. That is the inspiration behind our Metaverse events.

 6. Everyone has a theme song, let’s hear what yours is:

 

Firestarter by Prodigy. [obviously]

https://youtu.be/wmin5WkOuPw

 7. Okay, let’s talk about the future Viking aesthetic of Heavy Meta. What are the must-have items for the look?

Warpaint. Black, white, or red. A few lines on your face will transform any outfit. Clown makeup works too. 😉

8. The dragon is set to depart for it’s second year of Burning Man next month, what does Burning Man mean to you?

Burning Man is a global stage for people from all walks of life to come and experience each others’ creativity. The playa is a canvas and YOU are the paint. 

9. As an artist with a decorated portfolio of achievements and work, is there any medium you would like to dabble in but for some reason haven’t?

I need to buckle down and learn video editing. Modern technology and our accessibility to broadcast ourselves is the tool for limitless reach.

10. What’s next for you Marie?

I think you’ll have to stay tuned to find out.

For more on Heavy Meta follow the journey on Instagram, and to donate to the journey click here.