Andrea Bolley
The6Mom
You are an accomplished painter, AGO professor and model. How did you get your start and what inspires you?
When I was at the University Of Windsor studying for a BFA, I was fortunate to be picked up by the Pollack Gallery. At the time there were only two contemporary galleries in Toronto and not many women artists in them. Having this opportunity led to teaching at the Art Gallery Of Ontario.
A little story for you. Years ago, a couple bought four of my paintings for their boardroom. It turned out to be Epitome Pictures. It was Linda Schuyler, the creator of Degrassi. We became very good friends and so I used to watch Aubrey (artist "Drake") when he acted in Degrassi.
I love fashion . . . not long ago, I was dancing at an event and I was approached by a modeling agency and asked if I modeled. At the time, I didn't. This turned out to be Elite Models and I am now an Advanced Style model.
How did you get the name "The 6 Mom"?
I have been an artist in Toronto ... "the6ix" as Drake calls it, since 1997. During the years I have tried to support other artists in all the fields. I have met many of them, like Director X, Kardinal, Greata Constantine, Snoop Dogg, Christian Louboutin, 4Korners, etc. and of course, Drake.
The6Mom has been the name Drake and the OVO crew - Preme, Baka, TV Gucci, OVO Mark and Chubs have called me. How it went viral is that when I went to say hello at a Raptors game to my friend 4Korners, the DJ for the Raptors, over the microphone he said, "and the6mom is in the house!".
How do you split your time between Toronto and LA and why?
My time in Toronto or LA is determined by what art, music, film or modeling comes up for me.
What are you dancing to these days?
I follow certain DJs to the venues they are performing at. So dance to Hip Hop, R&B, Funk, Pop, Techno but not Heavy Metal as I'm not good in a mosh pit ....let's hear it for OvoMark - Nightowl Sound, Loud Luxury, Starting from Scratch, 4korners, DJ Franny, Steve Aoki, Snoop Dog, DJ Moss, DJ Nitrane.
What's next for you?
I'm painting for a one woman show in LA. I'm looking forward to seeing the Coi Leray music video I'm in. I am currently in a short film called Exquisite Things that's traveling the Short Film Festival circuit in the US and Europe.
I'm looking forward to more Elite Model Fashion Shoots. And, dancing, dancing, dancing!!! Everyday is a gift.