I’m Polly, a British artist currently based in Sydney, Australia. My work sits at the intersection of realism and surrealism, blending intricate detail with distorted reality to create pieces that feel like stepping into a story. Through illustration, tattooing, poetry, and design, I explore the narratives we carry—both personal and collective.

From an early age, I was drawn to the way faces and bodies hold emotion, which naturally led me to storytelling through different mediums. Over time, my work has evolved across sketching, digital illustration, fashion design, tattooing, and poetry—all of which allow me to explore human connection in unique ways. My style is heavily influenced by the raw energy of ’90s videography, graffiti, and hip-hop—art forms that embrace imperfection and capture an intimate, distorted version of reality.

Growing up, I often heard people dismiss art with the phrase, “I could do that.” It pushed me toward realism, focusing on technical skill and precision. But my love for surrealism never faded, and over time, these opposing forces naturally merged. Now, my work is a balance of both—where hyper-detailed realism and abstraction coexist, creating characters and worlds that hold a sense of emotion and place.

Tattooing has added a whole new dimension to my art. Each tattoo is a personal story, a moment in someone’s life that I get to bring to the surface. The process has connected me with incredible people, and the ritual of sharing stories during tattoo sessions has given me a deep sense of belonging in Sydney.

Olalla is the creative alias that ties all of my work together—illustration, tattooing, poetry, and design. The name comes from the Greek words ‘eu’ (good) and ‘lalein’ (to talk), meaning “good to talk.” Through my journey, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the importance of connection—communicating with friends and family, creating a safe space for self-expression, and knowing it’s okay to truly talk. For me, creating has always been a way to process life, and with Olalla, I aim to inspire that same openness in others. Whether through a drawing that resonates, a tattoo that holds personal meaning, or a design that sparks a conversation, my work is about storytelling, expression, and finding moments of connection in our often chaotic world.

Thanks for taking the time to explore my work—I hope it sparks something in you.