Jay is a student of the School of Life. Brought up in a struggling working class family with 3 other brothers, he spent much of his time alone, not quite fitting in with his peers. This allowed him to realize who he was at an early age, and develop a passion for art where he was fully able to express his ideas and view of the world. When given the opportunity, Jay loved to make his way to the library, where he would spend more time than he cares to admit pouring over the pages of magazines adorned with a yellow box around the cover, always dreaming of adventure, camera in town, and telling stories through emotionally stirring photography. He credits those many hours looking at the work of legends like David Alan Harvey, Steve McCurry, Sam Abell and so many others in issue after issue as inspiration for his photographic eye.

Though initially exposed to photography and the darkroom early in life, his studies in the arts through college were based around Industrial Design, Cinematic SPFX and Illustration. His passion for photography wasn't fully embraced until being discharged from the US Army Infantry in 2001 where he subsequently began battling the physical disabilities resulting from his time in service. Again life allowed him to pursue his art without the constraints of a “nine to five” job. You can see this struggle in the ongoing project: "Gilded Cage", where he ponders the loneliness, and detachment of being homebound.

In addition, Jay is the founder, director and photographer behind Dear Theophilus: a 501c3 non profit that photographs the work of Christian Missions around the globe, helping to tell their stories and providing them with a body of work they can utilize in their own ministries as a resource for growth. You can find out more by going to:

Dear Theophilus

Bookings and all questions should be directed to jpolaski@pm.me.