Cory Marie Podielski is a southern-based artist, oscillating between the sunny hot cultural play land of Los Angeles and the lush mountains of Appalachia. Each region presents two different extremes. The intersection and divergence of the two distinctly American cultures intrigue and delight this born and raised Los Angelino.

In 2011, Cory Marie has been studying traditional folks arts at the John C. Campbell Folk School in the mountains of west North Carolina. The folk school is a unique community tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains; an epicenter of folk traditon, creativity, community, and learning. Focusing on music, dance, blacksmithing and woodworking, Cory has expanded her artistic skills and repetoire. Taking over 20 classes, dhe has also dabbled in basketry, pyrography, carving, quilting, gardening, landscaping, papermaking, and silversmithing.

Conceptually, Cory Marie finds inspiration where collisions of ideas and forms create interesting fusions. Her artistic work explores the intersection of historical periods, nostalgia, iconography, the folk process, and American mythology and how they can serve as a strategy of rebellion and transcendence of modern cultural paradigms.

Through digital design, printmaking, illustration, dance & performance art, her work investigates the different ways underground movements appropriate elements from mainstream history and culture to subvert and challenge accepted ideas. Other points of inspiration include the folklore, process, old time, nature, absurdity, abandoned places, mythology, urban landscapes, transformative love, and the open road. Poster design and vintage styles are another focus in Cory's graphic work. Many of her posters unite a love for graphic design, vintage poster art, and Art Deco/Nouveau styles.

Before departing for rural Appalachia, Cory worked on the creative team for Malibu Dream Girl, a swimwear company located near downtown Los Angeles. A creative director for the marketing department, she oversaw the brand websites, advertising campaigns, catalogue designs, and marketing strategies. Working closely with the design and art departments, Cory Marie was also involved in the creative product design process researching trends and creating textile designs. Her designs have been seen at Zumiez, Wet Seal, Limited Too, Kohls, Mervyn's, Macy's, JC Penney, Nordstroms, Tilly’s, Sears, and swim boutiques around the world.

Cory Marie loves to dance. She has been a member of the Nautch Project, under the direction of April Rose (of Unmata and the Belly Dance Superstars). On hiatus from dancing with her girls, Cory still is an avid practioner of Hot Pot Improvisational Tribal Style of Unmata. Cory has also been a part of Los Angeles based tribal fusion collective, Se7eN, under the direction of Heather Shoopman. Both troupes have incorporated many styles of dance including tribal bellydance, ATS, hip-hop, Indian, post-modern, fire dance & more.

Cory loves old time music and the dancing that goes along with it: square dancing! She studies dance calling and history with renowned dance caller Susan Micheals and calls dances around the Los Angeles area with old time stringband Triple Chicken Foot. Since July of 2009, Cory and the Foot have created a seasonal residency of squaredances at Victorian landmark HM157 in Lincoln Heights. In addition to hosting their own community dances, they also bring the joy of squaredancing to weddings, birthday parties, baby showers, school parties, BBQs, etc.

When she is not dancing or making art, Cory frequents 24-hr diners, plays Scrabble®, frequents roadside attractions, bikes and hikes, plays around on her clawhammer banjo, and explores abandoned ruins.