Montreal artist Pony wants to cheer you up, one plushie at a time. Known by her real name, Gabrielle Laïla Tittley, Pony has built a unique brand around her whimsical art and playful creations, which are aimed at bringing comfort to adults facing life’s challenges.
Gabrielle Laïla Tittley: The Artist Behind Pony
Gabrielle Laïla Tittley, better known as Pony, didn’t always see herself as an artist. In her words, she was not the “golden child with the magic hands who just draws incredibly naturally.” Instead, she was a kid with a vivid imagination, growing up in a low-income household in Gatineau, Que, navigating her way through life in survival mode. Despite her circumstances, she found solace and encouragement in the creativity of her mother, who painted murals on their home’s walls.
Today, Pony is one of Montreal’s most recognizable multidisciplinary artists. Her signature style is a blend of childlike animation and poignant portrayal of life’s complexities. She creates a range of items from clothing and plushies to art installations, all featuring her distinctive cartoonish illustrations.
Pony’s Artistic Journey
Pony’s journey to becoming an artist is as unique as her creations. After moving to Montreal in 2006 at the age of 17, she grappled with an eating disorder and addiction while trying to find her place in the art world. Her initial attempts to fit in, such as exhibiting her paintings in coffee shops and bars, left her feeling out of place. She questioned why she was creating art for a demographic that was more affluent than her own.
Her solution was to make her art more accessible. She started by turning her paintings into prints and selling them at a lower price. Eventually, she expanded her product line to include illustrated T-shirts and other merchandise.
From Art to Philanthropy
Despite her struggles, Pony has managed to build a successful career. She has staged popular installations and exhibits, participated in fashion shows, and collaborated with major brands such as Aldo and Hoaka Swimwear. She has even ventured into television as the host of the Canadian docuseries Résiste!.
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Pony is also committed to giving back. She regularly hosts fundraisers and donates a portion of her product launch proceeds to various humanitarian causes. Her recent focus has been on the war in Gaza, a cause close to her heart due to her Palestinian mother.
The Impact of Pony’s Art
Pony’s art is not just about making a statement. It’s about touching lives and bringing comfort to those who are struggling. Her plush toys, which she started selling during the pandemic, are a testament to this. These are not children’s toys, but companions for adults grappling with loneliness and isolation.
A great example of this is her free art installation, Câlins et Confidences, which ran in downtown Montreal for three months. The exhibit featured four brightly colored, larger-than-life sculptures, each representing a story about overcoming a challenging emotion. The sculptures were giant versions of her plush toys, literally offering outstretched arms to anyone in need of comfort.
Pony’s journey, art, and philanthropy all underscore her desire to bring hope and comfort to others. She aims to create art that makes people smile, laugh, or feel seen. It’s a testament to her commitment to making art that is not only beautiful but also meaningful and impactful.
