Today we’d like to introduce you to Tori Poor.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I grew up in an eclectic environment. My mother being an antique dealer and my father part of high diving water circus, I’ve always felt like my senses needed to be stimulated more than average. I remember being disappointed countless times by rides, shows, and immersive experiences where you were promised a whole other world and yet it just seemed to me to be boring. I got into vintage dealing organically, but where I’m headed feels like a new world where I can create this experience I’ve always craved. Poor Girl Vintage is both a retail and creative space that gives others and myself a safe space to express in fashion, emotion, & arts. I hope it never stops evolving.
Please tell us about your art.
My mother and stepfather have an estate sale business called “pleasant cove” and so I’ve constantly got my hands on someone else’s trash and lost treasures. I love to use these pieces to create installments within my vintage shop. Right now I have a wall of childhood stuffed animals, a bedroom set up with 70’s yearbooks and prom corsages spread across the silky sheets of a circle bed, and a dreamy 90’s living room set with 16 magazine posters up from my childhood bedroom. I think everything I create comes from a childlike mindset I’m able to tap into. Maybe my 14-year-old self finally letting go. Even though growing up, I was exposed to wild & creative surroundings and people, I never let myself freely create. I was a competitive gymnast from the years of 5-16 so that was my life. A type of seriousness that was hard to escape. Once I was free of that responsibility, the creative side of me started to conquer. I feel like I’m still getting to know myself in these ways. I think the message I try to send through my art is to never let go of what makes you happy. Even if it feels childish or you think you’re too mature to enjoy it. I still eat pudding and listen to spice girls sometimes 🙂 jumping into a pile of stuffed animals never hurts either!
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
I think that so many ideas and inspiration flow in at once and I feel like a program is being downloaded to my brain.. and then I’m just exhausted from it and I don’t know where to start! It’s hard to even explain these kinds of early-stage ideas to another person. If I find someone that’s the ying to my yang, then I try to collaborate or at least get some feedback. This for me comes from either self-doubt, excitement, or both. It’s hard for me to share ideas before they have fully developed, but I have the best luck when I talk myself through it with someone. Half the time whoever I’m talking to is just nodding with a blank stare, ha!! My advice is when you feel the connection with someone, whether they are a muse or a missing piece to your puzzle, you should appreciate it in whatever form comes natural.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
So far, my work has only been on display in the shop- which I am currently giving a makeover to better house shows and events based around installments. Other than that, I have been hired to create photo opportunities in a “pop up” fashion. I’m in a huge transition right now so staying up to date with me through social media is the best way to support. I will be announcing shows and events in the fall!
Contact Info:
- Address: 3120 Beach Blvd 32207
Jacksonville, FL. - Website: Www.thatpoorgirl.com
- Phone: 9045250490
- Email: thatpoorgirl@rocketmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thatpoorgirlvintage?igshid=1uan0caz7r2ds
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThatPoorGirl/
Image Credit:
Hayden Palmer, Tenny Rudolph
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