James Polisky is an award-winning Rhode Island based artist and graphic designer whose current body of work blends original drawings and designs with a color separation background, resulting in either limited run editions or one of a kind hand printed silkscreen.
The subject matter is mostly character driven, often rooted in humor and satire. The viewpoint ranges from monotonic bliss, a desperately uncertain future, political unrest, or simple bathroom commentary (he's talking about poop jokes) all hopefully blanketed by an appreciation of the greatest thing most of us take for granted, a single day to be alive and kicking. Taking a moment to let it sink in, a seemingly simple cartoon gives you a reason to stop and think.
His work has been featured in The Boston Globe, USA Today, Art New England, as well numerous independent newspapers and magazines plus a handful of national book covers.
James also spent decades as a drummer, both in Brooklyn, NY and New Haven, CT.
The bands Overmars (Lightyear Records) and Sons Of Bob resulted in endless gigs with endless stories, and once upon an evening opening for The Rolling Stones. And yes, it was awesome.
Always designing promo posters / merch for his bands as well as others, screen printing was a natural step in his creative background post musical career.
The working studio, JP Studios Ink is located in a historic mill building in Pawtucket, RI where he can be found hand printing his silkscreen art or designing / color separating wall paper for the residential and commercial wallcovering industry.
(most) visitors are welcome...
Exhibitions and Awards
2007 - View From The Outside
Solo Show, River Street Gallery, New Haven, CT
2008 - On The Brink Of Disaster When Suddenly You Appeared
Solo Show, River Street Gallery, New Haven, CT.
2009 - The Bright Lights Of Pop City
Solo Show The New England Art Institute, Boston, MA
2010 - Off The Wall
Group Show, New Haven, CT
2012 - Tick Season and Other Summer Curiosities
Solo Show, David Apuzzo Art Gallery, Hamden CT
2012 - 1st Prize Printmaker Award
Armonk Art Festival, Armonk, NY
Honorable Mention Award
Manayunk Art Festival, Philadelphia, PA
2014 - Honorable Mention Award
Armonk Art Festival, Armonk, NY
2017 - 1st Prize Printmaking Award
Three Rivers Art Festival, Pittsburgh, PA
2018 - 2nd Prize Printmaking Award
Three Rivers Art Festival, Pittsburgh, PA
2019 - 2nd Prize Printmaker Award
Armonk Art Festival, Armonk, NY
2024 - First Prize, The Color Of Sound
Pawtucket Arts Collabborative
2nd Prize Printmaker Award
Armonk Art Festival, Armonk, NY
2025 - Jurors Choice Award
IFA Gallery, Warren, RI
2026 - Creative Fusion Award + Recognition Award
IFA Gallery, Warren, RI