howard bollinger

Artist Statement

Step into a world where color dances, characters whisper, and imagination leads the way. Georgia artist Howard Bollinger’s work embodies the spirit of creative play and understandably so, since he was formerly Senior Vice President at Kenner/Hasbro Toys shaping the childhoods of millions through toy lines like Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Care Bears, and Littlest Pet Shop.

A unique aspect of each Bollinger painting is its optional “Turn the Art” feature. You can turn the painting on the wall and with each turn, the canvas offers new visual perspectives. Look again and lean into curiosity to discover movement, mischief, or moments of fresh meaning not seen before.

It was during the high-intensity creative process of developing Star Wars toys that Howard began sketching abstract forms on meeting agendas and napkins—designs that hinted at exploration of the universe: mysterious beings, structures, and forms from imagined galaxies. When Howard paints today, he returns to those original drawings, letting memory and intuition guide a new flood of expression. What once lived in pencil and pen is transformed into richly embellished canvases - tapestries of motion, color, and hidden abstract characters. His signature forms suggest not only otherworldly structures, but also organic images and visual puzzles that invite continuing and intriguing discovery.

Bollinger has a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design from University of Cincinnati Design School. He studied art under Robert Fabe, Reginald Grooms, and Phil Foster. Bollinger’s work is in collections across the country and has been exhibited in galleries that include: Art Essex in Westport CT curated by George Billis and David Misello, Miami Art Week, ADC Gallery in Cincinnati OH, Landfall Art Show and Airlie Gardens Art in the Park in Wilmington NC, Alpharetta Art Center, a solo show of 24 works at Quinlan Visual Arts Center, Atlanta Art Center, and Dunwoody Cultural Arts Center.

Some interesting facts about the artist:
• He’s restored 2 national champion Jaguars – a 1961 E Type and a 1954 XK120.
• He’s a jazz singer, who grew up in a singing family that entertained Cincinnatians for decades.
• At age 17, he fully restored a Sunbeam roadster for an older brother who, after an emotional trauma, used the vehicle to relocate and begin a new chapter.
• On travels, he gathers seeds from around the world to grow exotic plants and trees.
• He enjoys speaking at Star Wars Collector conventions and is featured in the books Engineering an Empire (Star Wars) and The Toy Collector’s Wish Book Vol 2.