Collector Profile

Keith Pollock

Take a drive outside New York City to catch a more peaceful way of life by way of Bellport. Here is where you’ll likely find Keith Pollock on the weekends. The Digital Director at Architectural Digest joined the team and developed popular extensions like Clever for the iconic title; his history in editorial and digital strategy is well-documented. From founding DuJour Magazine, to holding the Editor-in-Chief position at Interview, the avid design lover has created a unique path that has always kept him surrounded by art. His second abode outside his city dwelling, this Long Island home acts as a getaway from the hustle. Read on to learn more about how he’s outfitted the beautiful space, and what grabs his attention after years of being in the industry.

Q.

Tell us a little about yourself

A.

I live in New York City and have a weekend place in Long Island. The week tends to be quite a hustle with work, so when I get to Long Island I really slow it down. I spend a lot of time outdoors and relaxing with my dog. My favorite hobby is looking for design objects and antiques that speak to me. I will search everywhere from local estate sales to dealers in distant countries on 1stdibs. The eye gets tired, so once I find that perfect object, the table it sits on has to change. The search is endless.

Q.

Can you tell us a bit more about your career? You’ve had an impressive history in editorial.

A.

I joined Architectural Digest as Executive Digital Director nearly three years ago, when Amy Astley came on as Editor of the magazine. The brand went through a creative overhaul, and she brought me in to rethink the magazines digital strategy. We’ve created several digital extensions of AD, including Clever, our more attainable decorating and renovating site, and our newest venture, AD PRO, which is a design trade membership offering.

Prior to that I was Editor-in-Chief of Interview magazine. I also launched a luxury lifestyle magazine called Dujour. I ran digital for other magazines including Art In America and ELLE. My career has always been editing print magazines and websites, with subject matters as varied as art, fashion, design, and culture.

Q.

How did you first start acquiring art?

A.

I studied painting and printmaking at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Collecting art, I suppose, started with trading work with other students I admired. Now, I have to pay for it!

Keith Pollock says

“IF I SEE SOMEONE’S WORK THAT REALLY EXCITES ME I WILL OFTEN CONTACT THEM AND ASK TO DO A STUDIO VISIT. I NEED TO SPEAK WITH THE ARTIST AND SEE HOW THEY WORK.”

Q.

What was the first piece you've fell in love with, and why?

A.

The first piece I fell in love with? It’s hard to identify just one. For as long as I can remember, I was looking at Art Forum and Architectural Digest and taking trips into the Met. My mom is an artist, and we always had stacks of art and design books and magazines around. I remember loving abstract expressionists like Hans Hofmann, Motherwell, and Frankenthaler a lot as a child. And I had a moment where I was really into the designs of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. I would draw pictures of his chairs when I was like 6 years old.

Q.

What's your relationship to emerging art? Are there any specific artists you have your watching right now?

A.

There are so many young artists that I admire. Lou Fratino, Robin S. Williams, Nikki Maloof, Gioele Amaro and Amir Nikravan are a few. I sometimes discover them on Instagram or through friends, or in the homes we are shooting for AD. I go to a lot of fairs. If I see someone’s work that really excites me I will often contact them and ask to do a studio visit. I need to speak with the artist and see how they work.

Q.

What is your favorite work in your collection and why?

A.

My favorite piece is a painting by Jennifer Guidi. She’s a friend, and a masterful artist. I especially love her large scale sand paintings.

Q.

Who are your all-time favorite artists?

A.

Louise Bourgeois comes to mind. I also love decorative arts, especially ceramics and textiles. I’m often drawn to things that demonstrate some kind of craft or process. I like interesting materials and mixed media works that are textural. I look at a lot of photography as well.

Q.

Favorite museum or space for inspiration?

A.

May seem a bit obvious, but I still go to the Met often because it feels grand. It’s a solid day. And I enjoy the mix. I get lost in the historic rooms of the American Wing and then finish in Contemporary and Modern Art.